Chemnitz University of Technology starts a new master’s degree in hydrogen technologies – the future is secured!

Chemnitz University of Technology starts a new master’s degree in hydrogen technologies – the future is secured!

Chemnitz University of Technology will offer a new accredited master's degree program in hydrogen technologies in the winter semester 2025/2026. The aim of the program is to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the hydrogen economy. This step comes at a time when research into fuel cells and hydrogen technologies at Chemnitz University of Technology has already made intensive progress. The course focuses on various aspects of the hydrogen economy, including the production, storage, transport and use of hydrogen. Engineering considerations, particularly with regard to fuel cell and electrolyzer components, are central topics in the curriculum.

In this master's program, students will acquire in-depth knowledge of the construction, design and integration of components. Practical experience should be gained through experimental investigations on modern test benches. Open source research platforms for fuel cell and electrolyzer systems are also available to support the learning process. The curriculum also includes topics such as sustainable electrical energy production and energy storage technologies. In order to cover the high demand for skilled workers that is forecast both nationally and internationally, the curriculum provides for 14 compulsory modules, eight of which are related to hydrogen. The managing director of HZwo e. V. has already emphasized the existing need for qualified engineers.

Preparing for the hydrogen economy

In addition to the compulsory modules, students can choose four of 19 elective modules. Particularly noteworthy is the module “Practical Problems in Hydrogen Technology”, which enables exchange with companies and research institutions. This combination of theory and practical application provides students with a solid foundation for their future careers in the hydrogen industry. The accreditation process for the degree program is almost complete and Chemnitz University of Technology sees itself well positioned for the start in the winter semester 2025/2026.

The need to offer technical university training in the field of hydrogen technologies is underpinned by current market developments. Demand for hydrogen is expected to skyrocket by 2050, particularly as a replacement for natural gas and to decarbonize industry. In this context, the federal government has forecast that 50-70% of hydrogen needs will have to be covered by imports by 2030. Nevertheless, the current production capacity for hydrogen in Germany is inadequate. Current hydrogen production technologies are not only too expensive, but also not designed for industrial mass production.

Challenges and innovations in hydrogen production

An essential part of the solution could be the Reference Factory.H2, which was founded in 2022 by the Fraunhofer Institutes IWU and IPT. This initiative aims to reduce production costs for hydrogen systems to 20% of today's costs by 2027. The importance of close collaboration between research and industry is emphasized. The reference factory has already integrated 25 companies, including the Schaeffler Group and Spreckelmeyer GmbH. The Fraunhofer Hydrogen Network predicts that annual value creation of 10 billion euros could be achieved by 2030, which could rise to 32 billion euros by 2050.

A crucial step in hydrogen production was the development of various processes in order to find cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives. This includes electrolysis, in which hydrogen can be produced without emissions if renewable energy is used. Scientists at Fraunhofer IKTS are working on new materials and processes to increase efficiency. Innovative approaches such as photocatalytic water splitting also offer potential, although the overall efficiency is currently lower than with other methods.

In summary, it can be said that the upcoming introduction of the master's degree program at Chemnitz University of Technology represents a decisive development with regard to the shortage of skilled workers and technological developments in the hydrogen economy. As a promising technology, hydrogen will play a central role in the energy transition, as current market research results make clear. This area requires a sustainable and innovative approach to meet the challenges ahead.

For more information on hydrogen technologies and their implications, you can read the reporting from TU Chemnitz, Fraunhofer and Fraunhofer IKTS see.