Master thesis: Technological progress in energy system optimization - A Power-to-X case study

Your Job:

To combat climate change and its negative effects, it is inevitable to transform the energy system towards a system primarily based on renewable energy technologies, which calls for adequate storage capacities. Power-to-X processes, being able to transform electricity into value-added products, can mitigate these problems. However, some Power-to-X technologies are not yet cost-competitive and have to profit from cost reductions due to learning effects to become essential options for the future energy system. So far, it is common practice to include these learning effects only exogenously with predefined learning curves. The aim of this master thesis is to directly integrate learning effects in an energy system optimization model and to analyse the effect of technological progress for Power-to-X technologies on the energy system.
Your tasks include:

• Literature research and collecting techno-economic data on relevant Power-to-X technologies
  
• Implementation of methods for consideration of technological learning in the FINE optimization framework
  
• Investigate the impact of technological learning and the role of Power-to-X in future energy systems

Your Profile:

• Current studies in the field of (industrial or chemical) engineering, economics or a comparable course of study
  
• Interest in energy-related, economic and political issues
  
• Independent and analytical way of working
  
• Knowledge of an object-oriented programming language would be beneficial (Python)
  
• Basic knowledge of optimization modeling

Our Offer:

We work on cutting-edge innovative topics and offer you the opportunity to actively shape change! We offer you:

• A diverse and highly motivated working group of international character within one of the largest research institutions in Europe
  
• Intensive supervision of the work in weekly web meetings, the thesis can be prepared through remote working
  
• An excellent scientific and technical infrastructure
  
• The opportunity to actively participate in shaping the energy system of the future
  
• Flexible working hours as well as a reasonable remuneration
  

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.