This is the question that apprentices at the SFZ Chemnitz ask themselves in their project “Our ecological footprint”. They were particularly interested in how to use energy efficiently and provide it in an environmentally friendly way. In order to get more background knowledge, 8 apprentices of the 1st year came to IEC with their teachers on February 26th, 2020.

The young people, who are training in professions such as IT specialists and cutting mechanics, first got an insight into the energy supply of Germany and the research work at IEC by research associate Michaela Nguyen. Related to the motto “Energy today and tomorrow”, the apprentices also learned how to reduce their personal CO₂ emissions. Many of them were surprised how much CO₂ is released by flying, for example.

After the theoretical part, the operational engineer Mr. Küttner led the youngsters through some of our large-scale test facilities. In the slagging fixed-bed gasification plant (SBV), they learned how to make CO and H₂ based synthesis gas from coal, biomass or waste. This synthesis gas can then be used in the Syngas-to-Fuel (StF) test facility for the production of synthetic gasoline. It was also exciting for the participants to visit the control room, where the systems are controlled and monitored.

We hope to see SFZ again soon!