State universities: 99 projects for a post-fossil fuel future

Shaping tomorrow's solutions: Guided by this shared commitment, researchers at all nine of Baden-Württemberg's state universities are advancing a future in which sustainable alternatives progressively replace fossil-based raw materials and energy sources.

At today's state press conference in Stuttgart, the nine state universities presented a list of 99 research projects for a post-fossil fuel future. The announcement received approval and support from Baden-Württemberg’s Minister of Science, Petra Olschowski, as well as from Susanne Herre, Chief Executive of the Stuttgart Region Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), both of whom attended the press conference.

Storing solar energy in molecules, replacing petroleum with renewable resources, or making industrial processes and agriculture more energy-efficient – these are just a few of the solutions currently being developed at universities in Baden-Württemberg. As a snapshot of their research, the nine state universities are presenting a total of 99 projects today that are paving the way for a post-fossil fuel future.

“Through their projects, the state’s universities demonstrate the contribution that science makes to shaping future society,” says Prof. Dr. Karla Pollmann, Rector at the University of Tübingen and Chair of the Baden-Württemberg State Rectors' Conference.

“The current crises surrounding energy and raw materials bring home just how dependent our economy and our daily lives still are on fossil fuels. At the same time, Earth Overshoot Day serves as a reminder every year that we are consuming more resources than our planet can sustainably provide. It is precisely in times like these that new ideas and scientific insights are needed. “Through their research, universities are taking responsibility and developing solutions to tackle the challenges of our time,” said Prof. Dr. Pollmann.

Through these 99 selected projects, the nine state universities aim to provide a glimpse into their research on a post-fossil fuel future. These projects demonstrate how scientific findings enable the development of new technologies and concepts for the sustainable use of energy and resources. They help reduce dependence on fossil raw materials and energy sources and open up new opportunities for Baden-Württemberg as a hub for research and innovation. At the same time, they can help slow climate change and preserve a planet that is as livable as possible for future generations.

“We all want to contribute to a successful transition toward a future without fossil fuels and to preserve our planet as a place worth living in for future generations,” emphasizes Prof. Peter Middendorf, Rector of the University of Stuttgart. “Through excellent interdisciplinary research, successful technology transfer projects, and as part of a dynamic innovation ecosystem, we are helping to shape this future. In doing so, we are not only working on new technologies for the energy transition. We also ensure that our innovations have a lasting impact on society.”

The University of Stuttgart’s research projects span a wide range of topics, from new technologies for resource-efficient construction and the sustainable use of hydrogen and photovoltaics, to future-proof propulsion, charging, and production technologies, and on to new concepts for smart energy management and the participatory shaping of a post-fossil fuel future.

“‘99 projects for a post-fossil fuel future’ – with this initiative, our universities are once again demonstrating their innovative strength and their social relevance. I am very grateful to them for that,” said Petra Olschowski, Minister of Science for Baden-Württemberg.

“We must overcome our dependence on fossil fuels. This protects the climate and strengthens our position as a business hub. Baden-Württemberg has everything it needs to achieve this: excellent research, strong universities, innovative companies, and a thriving small and medium-sized business sector. The 99 research projects at the nine state universities prove that our academic community is driving change forward with new ideas,” emphasized the minister.

“Those who lead the way in GreenTech strengthen technological sovereignty and secure Europe’s top position as the number one country for innovation. Investments in key green technologies ensure prosperity, jobs, and technological independence. Baden-Württemberg is not only following this path, but is leading the way. We achieve this through targeted technology transfer and an active structural policy that begins with cutting-edge research at our universities.”

“The business community is committed to the climate goals and to the transition to sustainable energy sources and raw materials. This is not only an obligation to future generations, but also a major economic opportunity. With its strong research community, innovative small and medium-sized businesses, and technology companies, Baden-Württemberg is making its mark worldwide in the field of GreenTech solutions,” says Dr. Susanne Herre, CEO of the Stuttgart Region Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

“It is crucial that new findings make their way from research into practical application. The 99 projects presented today provide impressive insight into the innovative potential of our universities and can provide important impetus for technology transfer to businesses,” said Herre.

For the “99 projects for a post-fossil fuel future” initiative, each of the nine state universities has compiled a list of some of its projects. 
However, it was not possible to include all of the University of Stuttgart's research projects. The entire list can be found here.