Research project reSYNERGY
Cross-sectoral utilisation of municipal wastewater for the production of green hydrogen - synergies between water and energy systems to strengthen supply security in 2035
The transformation of the energy system presents us with immense challenges: On the one hand, green hydrogen is to play a vital role in future energy supply and contribute to decarbonisation. On the other hand, its production by electrolysis could lead to water scarcity and distribution conflicts in some regions. To effectively meet these challenges, the research project reSYNERGY, funded by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space, is developing solutions for water supply. Key to this is the use of municipal wastewater for hydrogen production. It aims to improve social and ecological resilience and secure the supply of energy and water, especially in case of extreme weather events and disruptions, by 2035.
Research project reSYNERGY | |
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Duration | April 2026 to March 2029 |
Funded by | German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space |
Projektbeteiligte | - DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems
- Institute for Social-Ecological Research (ISOE)
- Oldenburg-East Frisian Water Association (OOWV)
- DVGW Research Center at the Engler-Bunte Institute of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
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reSYNERGY focuses on sustainable and resilient hydrogen production by purifying wastewater and making it suitable for electrolysis. This way, an integrated utilisation relation between water and energy is established, reducing dependence on groundwater and ensuring stable water supply and reliable H2 production even in times of resource scarcity. In addition to the search for innovative technological approaches, the researchers also focus on the investigation of regulatory and institutional conditions. The model implemented in north-western Lower Saxony is intended to be transferable to other regions after the project's completion.
Within reSYNERGY, the Institute of Networked Energy Systems is focusing on the development of a transferable demonstration and transformation model. The aim is to analyse potentials for renewable energies in the region and match it with the energy demand for electrolysis and water treatment. The institute’s expertise particularly strengthens the energy systems analysis perspective on the coupling of resources and technologies, as well as the scope for a model-based analysis and assessment of economic and environmental aspects and the resilience of coupled solutions. Together with the other project participants, scenarios for the future development of the region are being developed and evaluated in terms of their vulnerability, resilience, and sustainability.
Based on the results, recommendations for action for decision makers will be derived in the form of a transformation roadmap. The findings determined by the institute thus contribute significantly to the demonstration of the feasibility of wastewater utilisation for electrolysis and to the development of sector-coupled transformation strategies.
