The Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) was awarded first place in two categories at this year’s “Hessischer Staatspreis für innovative Energielösungen” (Hessian State Prize for Innovative Energy Solutions). The FlexQuartier project received recognition as the top project in the Systemintegration category, while the ITEE association, an institute affiliated with THM, emerged victorious in the Nachwuchs category.
THM and energy providers collaborate to win innovative energy award
The recognition received by the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) and energy providers is a testament to their long-standing collaboration in the field of energy solutions. The award ceremony took place at the “Zukunftsforum Energie & Klima” in Kassel, where outstanding ideas in the fields of electricity, heat, mobility, system integration, youth development, and societal engagement were honored.
The FlexQuartier in Gießen, located on Georg-Elser-Straße, is an up-and-coming residential and commercial district equipped with a hybrid storage system developed and built by THM. This innovative storage system efficiently supplies the district with heat and electricity. Excess solar power generated by the photovoltaic panels on the residential buildings is stored in the system, allowing it to be utilized for powering electric vehicles and providing heat to the district.
The hybrid storage system consists of a battery storage unit and a high-temperature storage system capable of heating up to 1200°C. This innovative design allows for the conversion of excess heat into electricity when needed. During the summer months, the district can meet most of its heating needs independently, while in colder months, it supplements its energy requirements by utilizing the district heating network provided by the Stadtwerke Gießen.
The Institute for Transformation Tasks in Energy Economics and Energy Technology (ITEE) is actively involved in the award-winning project. As an affiliated institute of THM, ITEE provides support to local municipal utilities and energy providers in transforming their energy supply and infrastructure. Founded in autumn 2023, ITEE plays a crucial role in facilitating the transition towards a more sustainable energy system. Through its expertise and collaboration, ITEE contributes to the success of innovative energy solutions and the realization of a greener future.
The ITEE association, led by Prof. Dr. Thomas Stetz and Prof. Dr. Stefan Lechner from THM, consists of 15 member companies, including Stadtwerke Gießen and Bad Nauheim. This association is responsible for providing scientific training to the personnel of these member companies, who are enrolled as regular students at THM or other universities. Prof. Dr. Thomas Stetz and Prof. Dr. Stefan Lechner ensure the academic direction of the ITEE. The association plays a crucial role in fostering the scientific education and development of the energy sector workforce.
Hessen’s Minister of Economics, Kaweh Mansoori, expressed his admiration for the projects, emphasizing the crucial role of innovation and commitment in achieving the energy transition. The Hessischer Staatspreis aims to showcase outstanding energy concepts and inspire other stakeholders to contribute to an affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy future.
The Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) and its partners have been recognized for their achievements with a total prize money of 10,000 euros. In addition, all awardees will receive a complimentary image video. Prof. Olaf Berger, Vice President of THM and spokesperson for the Competence Center for Energy Technology and Energy Management, expressed his delight at the awards and emphasized that THM not only conceptualizes innovative energy solutions but also successfully implements them. In the case of the high storage system from FlexQuartier, the university is even willing to bring the product to the market.
The projects and recognition received by the THM and its partners demonstrate their pioneering role in the field of innovative energy solutions. Through their significant contributions, they are actively driving the energy transition and providing evidence that a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future is attainable.
The Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) in Gießen has been recognized for its outstanding projects in the field of innovative energy solutions. The FlexQuartier, a newly developed residential and commercial district, received first place in the Systemintegration category, while the ITEE association, affiliated with THM, won in the Nachwuchs category. These achievements showcase THM’s dedication to advancing cutting-edge energy solutions. The FlexQuartier’s hybrid storage system, created by THM, efficiently supplies heat and electricity to the district, utilizing surplus solar power and a high-temperature storage system. THM and its partners are leading the way towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future.
