The German Aerospace Center (DLR) serves as the national aeronautics and space research hub for the Federal Republic of Germany. With a workforce of 11,000 employees, DLR engages in extensive research and development across various domains, including aeronautics, space, energy, transport, and security. Collaborating on both national and international levels, DLR focuses on cutting-edge technologies that contribute to the global energy transition. Their mission involves developing climate-neutral, efficient, and socially accepted solutions for renewable energy utilization, conversion, and storage. DLR’s large-scale research facilities act as a bridge between scientific exploration and practical industrial applications.
In 2019, DLR established the Institute of Low Carbon Industrial Processes in Cottbus and Zittau. This institute investigates decarbonization strategies for diverse industries, emphasizing sustainable energy supply and efficiency enhancements. Research and development efforts target carbon dioxide reduction in sectors like paper and food production, as well as aluminum manufacturing. Additionally, the institute collaborates with industrial partners for technology transfer and engages with research institutions.
Within the Institute of Low-Carbon Industrial Processes, the Simulation and Virtual Design Department (SVD) plays a crucial role. Their goal is to reduce industry-related CO2 emissions by developing decarbonization strategies and creating digital twins for emission-intensive industrial processes. Using simulation tools, SVD virtually transforms existing production sites, exploring pathways to gradually shift fossil-based production toward CO2-neutral processes. By substituting fossil emissions with sustainable technologies (such as heat pumps, low-carbon energy sources, and renewable electricity), the SVD team optimizes transformation concepts. These efforts contribute to a more sustainable future, aligning with DLR’s commitment to advancing energy systems across various sectors.