Construction of the Zittau Power Plant Laboratory (ZKWL) began on September 5, 2011. Three large-scale test facilities were set up and extensive experimental tests have already been carried out in recent months.

The large-scale test facilities are a magnetic bearing test rig (MFLP), a modern thermal energy storage facility (THERESA) and a thermochemical test field (TCV II).

The total costs for the three projects amount to around 7 million euros, of which 6.3 million euros come from the European Union and the Free State of Saxony. The Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences is contributing 10% of the total costs. Additional funds amounting to approx. 1 million euros were invested in the refurbishment of the historic machine hall. Stadtwerke Zittau GmbH has supported the Zittau power plant laboratory project with great commitment from the outset.

The construction of the Zittau power plant laboratory is the largest research investment since the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences was founded in 1992.