Revolution in energy supply: New laboratory in Rostock takes off!

Revolution in energy supply: New laboratory in Rostock takes off!

On June 26, 2025, the Sustainable Energy Technology Laboratory (SET Lab) was founded at the Faculty of Mechanical and Marine Engineering University of Rostock ceremoniously inaugurated. With a clear focus on the development of innovative solutions for sustainable energy supply, the SET Lab is viewed as a central research facility in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The scientists combine their expertise from the chairs for piston engines and internal combustion engines as well as for technical thermodynamics.

The research topics focus on alternative drive concepts, the energetic optimization of thermal processes and storage systems for renewable energies. The significant innovations include the Kurt Stieper Laboratory and the Rudolf Clausius Laboratory, both of which are assigned to the Chair of Technical Thermodynamics. Thermophysical material properties are investigated here, in particular the storage of hydrogen. Under the leadership of Professor Karsten Müller, the SET Lab is intended to make a significant contribution to achieving climate neutrality and implementing the energy transition.

Challenges and potential of the energy transition

The progress in renewable energy is undeniable, but we face significant challenges. Many clean energy technologies are already available and are becoming increasingly affordable. Nevertheless, building the necessary infrastructure takes decades. In the short to medium term, the development of a low-emission to zero-emission power grid and the electrification of passenger cars can bring significant progress in reducing emissions. Changing heating systems in residential and commercial properties also plays a key role.

In the long term, the decarbonization of buses, long-haul trucks and carbon-intensive industries will be critical to a zero-emissions energy infrastructure. According to an analysis by McKinsey & Company A total of twelve important climate technologies can help avoid 90% of man-made greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. However, currently only 10% of these technologies are competitive, and 45% are expected to become more cost-effective.

Innovations and investments

The need to increase investment in climate technologies by 10% per year to reach $2 trillion poses further challenges for the industry. The most important technologies include batteries, hydrogen, wind energy and photovoltaics. Renewable energy has become increasingly competitive, as evidenced by the high growth rates of solar, wind and battery technologies over the last decade.

The cost of climate technologies has reduced by at least a factor of two to eight as installations have increased. However, a more than fivefold increase in installed renewable energy capacity will be necessary by 2030. In addition, renewable energy requires up to 30 times more land than fossil fuels. The water consumption for a clean energy system is around 50% higher than for fossil fuels.

In order to meet the challenges of the energy transition, committed measures are necessary. These include expanding supply chains and infrastructure, effectively redistributing capital and creating new financing structures. With increasing investment and the promotion of new technologies, an additional 5 million jobs could be created in the EU.

In view of these developments, the SET Lab in Rostock is a promising step towards strengthening innovation in Germany and supporting a sustainable future energy supply.