Page 152 - ISES SWC50

ZAE Bayern’s project work
In the years from 1992 to 2020, ZAE Bayern developed into a major factor in the Bavarian energy research
landscape for renewable energies. It works closely with its associated universities in Würzburg (Julius-
Maximilians-University Würzburg, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen, Technical University Munich) and
the Bavarian and German industry together in projects. The financial basis is a basic funding by the Bavarian
Ministry of Economic Affairs. The projects concern in particular the use of renewable energies and the rational
use of energy. The focus is on the transfer of scientific development from university research to industrial
application. Over the years, the transfer of technology to industry has also been largely carried out by ZAE
staff who have moved from temporary positions at ZAE Bayern to the relevant industrial companies.

The contents of the interdisciplinary research projects in the past 3 decades were:
• Use of renewable energies such as solar energy (photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, near-surface
geothermal energy) and deep geothermal energy.
• Development of materials in the above mentioned areas. - Efficient use of energy in buildings
for both heating and cooling.
• Development of solar cells, thermal and chemical storage systems and fuel cells.
• Efficient use of energy in industrial processes. There is considerable potential for savings, especially
in the sector coupling and storage of thermal energy.

Today, ZAE Bayern has developed into a nationally and internationally recognized research institute where
young people are trained in relevant fields for industry and research.

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