ASCENDANCE

The ASCENDANCE project (German-Chilean research network for advanced decentralised renewable energy solutions), has as its main objective to establish a bi-national research network between Germany and Chile. This network will focus on the development of advanced decentralised solutions for renewable energies.

The project focuses on several key aspects:

• The production of renewable electricity from wind or photovoltaic energy in remote locations with little infrastructure: The project focuses on the generation of electricity from renewable sources such as wind and photovoltaic energy, especially in geographically isolated areas with limited infrastructure in Chile. This is because Chile has regions with high renewable energy potential, such as the Antofagasta region with high solar radiation and Patagonia with strong and constant winds, but these areas are often sparsely populated and distant from demand centres. Transporting energy from these regions to the central areas is costly and has limitations due to the existing transmission infrastructure. Therefore, renewable energy production at the local level is considered crucial.
• The connection of this production with electrolysis for the manufacture of green hydrogen: Once the renewable electricity has been generated, the project seeks to utilise it by electrolysis of water to produce green hydrogen. Electrolysis is a fundamental process in the Power-to-X value chains. However, it is important to note that the production of green hydrogen through electrolysis involves significant energy loss and is a costly process. The green hydrogen produced can be used directly or converted into other energy carriers.
• The optional synthesis of chemical energy carriers derived from green hydrogen, such as ammonia, methanol or hydrocarbons, via Power-to-X routes: The project envisages the synthesis of various chemical energy carriers from the green hydrogen generated. The production of these energy carriers allows for easier storage and transport of the converted renewable energy. The feasibility of these Power-to-X routes is analysed in the context of the needs of both Chile (emission reduction, export potential) and Germany (need for sustainable energy imports). Power-to-X processes generally involve two steps: first, the conversion of inert inputs (water, CO2, nitrogen) into energy-rich compounds (hydrogen, carbon monoxide or synthesis gas) by electrolysis or plasma; second, the synthesis of the desired products from these intermediate compounds.
• Grid integration and transient operation of decentralised Power-to-X plants: The project addresses the need to integrate decentralised Power-to-X plants into existing electricity grids and to study their transient or dynamic operation. Flexible operation is a desirable aspect to maximise the use of intermittent renewable energy (wind and solar) and minimise the need for intermediate storage. However, most experimental research on Power-to-X has focused on stationary operation, and there is little experimental data on the dynamic behaviour of larger plants. A better understanding of the effects of electrolysis on the electricity grid and how grid quality affects different electrolysis technologies is also sought.
• Carbon capture from biomass/bioenergy or by extracting carbon dioxide from ambient air or seawater: For the synthesis of some chemical energy carriers (such as methanol or hydrocarbons), a carbon source is required. The project considers various sources of carbon, including biomass and bioenergy, as well as the capture of carbon dioxide directly from ambient air or seawater. Obtaining CO2 from the air or sea becomes particularly relevant when there are no highly concentrated point sources of CO2 available.
• Water management for Power-to-X plants, including the supply of pure water for electrolysis, cooling water and wastewater treatment for reuse: Water is a crucial resource for Power-to-X processes, especially for electrolysis, which requires high purity water. The project also considers the need for cooling water and the treatment of wastewater and cooling water used for reuse in electrolysis or as cooling water, or for discharge into municipal sewage systems. Efficient water management is essential, especially in arid regions, to minimise the demand for freshwater.

In addition to the technological aspects, the project aims to integrate competencies in the ecological and social dimensions of the energy transition as well as geopolitical issues. To achieve this, representatives of the Chilean public sector as well as German start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises active in this field will be included in the network.

ASCENDANCE is based on initial contacts between KIT and the University of Chile as well as the University of Magallanes. In order to systematically develop this collaboration, 2 workshops will be held, one in Chile and one in Germany, as well as a series of online meetings.

Another important component of the project is the joint development of a German-Chilean modular course on Power-to-X technologies and related aspects of the energy transition, based on an existing course at the KIT. A Power-to-X-oriented research internship for Master's and PhD students will also be developed, with the intention that it can be implemented in Chilean universities. This will help Chile to develop the necessary skills for the adoption of advanced renewable energy technologies.

In summary, ASCENDANCE is a project to create a German-Chilean research network that focuses on decentralised renewable energy solutions and Power-to-X, aiming to boost R&D collaboration, academic training and facilitate the entry of German companies into the Chilean clean energy market.

The inaugural Chilean-German Summer School on Power-to-X was held in Punta Arenas, Chile, as part of the ASCENDANCE project in January 2025. Furthermore, you can find an interview with Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Roland Dittmeyer, who is the Head of the Institute of Micro Process Engineering (IMVT), to discover more about his role in the "Power-to-X technologies for the energy and transport transition" project.