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25. October 2024

"Zittau research project advances the energy transition"

On October 23, Saxony's Energy Minister Wolfram Günther handed over the funding decision for the "AQVA HEAT III" research and development project to the HSZG and other project partners.

The university management, the Energy Minister and the project partners stand in front of the HSCG press wall and smile into the camera.
Photo: Sven Müller Handover of the funding decision for the "AQVA HEAT III" research and development project to the project sponsors (from left to right): Vice Rector Education and International Affairs Prof. Sophia Keil, Vice Rector Research Prof. Raj Kollmorgen, Saxony's Energy Minister Wolfram Günther, HSZG research associate Thomas Gubsch, Rector of the HSZG Prof. Alexander Kratzsch, Dr. Clemens Schneider from Fraunhofer IEG

Press release from the Saxon State Ministry for Energy, Climate Protection, Environment and Agriculture dated 23.10.2024:

Saxony's Energy Minister Wolfram Günther handed over a funding decision for the "AQVA HEAT III" research and development projectto the project sponsors in Zittau on Wednesday (23.10.). The basic idea is to develop bodies of water as an efficient energy source for heat pumps (aquathermics). Instead of the fluorine-based refrigerants that have dominated up to now, a pumpable water-ice mixture is used. This avoids risks to the environment. The 3rd project phase now being funded comprises the commissioning, long-term testing and scientific monitoring of the research facilities. The funding amounts to a good 3.7 million euros until February 2027 and is being provided via the Energy and Climate funding program of the Saxon Ministry of Energy, which was newly established in 2023.

The project conducts application-oriented research for the energy transition. That is important to us. The aim is to expand and optimize various climate-neutral technologies in Saxony. The potential for aquathermal energy in particular is huge. After all, we have the large water areas of the former opencast lignite mines. Against the backdrop of the climate crisis and because we are on the path to climate neutrality, we need these technologies for a sustainable heat supply. At the same time, we have a suitable and good research landscape in Saxony. I am very pleased that AQVA HEAT has made such good progress. We have already awarded the eku Prize 2020 for the development of the technical approach and are now promoting the application of the results. I wish AQVA HEAT III the best possible success and great appeal.
Wolfram Günther, Saxon Energy Minister
Rector and minister at the parking lot
Rector and minister in front of the staircase Z I
Minister shakes hands with rector.
Conversation at the table
Conversation at the table
Conversation at the table
Conversation at the table
Conversation at the table
Conversation at the table
Together with the project partners, the researchers at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences are one step closer to the dream of tapping into a previously neglected but environmentally friendly heat source that can be used all year round. With the help of the next funding period, the AQVA-HEAT technology can be tested on selected bodies of water and the utilization of this new technology for demand-oriented and resource-saving heat supply can be advanced. The researchers thus want to make a positive contribution to the upcoming heat transition and support the heat supply companies and plant manufacturers by making the AQVA-HEAT technology usable.
Thomas Gubsch, research associate at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences
The objectives of the project are:
  • Optimization and demonstration in real operation, transfer of results to science and industry
  • Project-specific implementation and presentation of the approval process at two locations / water body types for long-term operation
  • Development of a basis for identifying and reducing any barriers to aquathermal projects
  • Evaluation of the economic viability of AQVA HEAT technology

The project partners are the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (Institute for Process Engineering, Process Automation and Measurement Technology) as project coordinator, the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Energy IEG (Zittau and others) and the Institut für Luft- und Kältetechnik gemeinnützige Gesellschaft mbH (ILK Dresden). The project is supported by the Weißwasser and Zittau municipal utilities and the district of Görlitz. The support is financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and state funds from the Free State of Saxony.

For us, the AQVA HEAT III project is not only a significant step forward in research into climate-neutral heat generation, but also an important signal for the Upper Lusatia region and beyond. By further developing aquathermal technology, we are contributing to the sustainable energy transition and strengthening Saxony's innovative power. The successful cooperation with renowned partners shows that the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences is a reliable source of inspiration for practice-oriented, future-proof solutions - for our region and the heat transition throughout Germany.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Kratzsch, Rector Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences
Ihre Ansprechperson
Dr.
Stephen Aranha
Stephen.Aranha(at)hszg.de
Rectorate/University Development and Communication Office
02763 Zittau
Th.-Körner-Allee 16
Building Z I, Room 1.54
1st floor
+49 3583 612-4403