Research for sustainable technologies

The HZDR is intensively committed to a sustainable future. In interdisciplinary research projects, scientists and technicians at the center develop innovative solutions for the key challenges of our time:

Sustainable use of raw materials and the circular economy

• One of the HZDR's research focuses is the environmentally friendly, energy- and resource-efficient exploration, extraction and recycling of mineral and metallic raw materials. At the Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology (HIF), scientists from a wide range of disciplines are researching new technologies to close raw material cycles.
• With the project for the future FlexiPlant, a pilot plant for the adaptive processing of complex materials, the HZDR is doing pioneering work for flexible and sustainable raw material processing.

Energy storage and process optimization

• The center researches key technologies for a sustainable future of energy systems:
  
  • Liquid metal batteries as long-lasting, stationary energy storage
  • Magnetocaloric materials for the energy-efficient liquefaction of hydrogen
  • Laser-based particle accelerators for compact, resource-saving cancer therapy
• In addition, the HZDR analyzes multiphase flows and optically non-transparent processes to improve the energy efficiency and safety of industrial applications and processes.

Protecting the environment and water resources

• The Innovation Lab CLEWATEC (Clean Water Technology Lab) develops new processes for sustainable water treatment. The focus is on innovative, environmentally friendly technologies for cleaning, reusing and protecting water resources.
• The HZDR is also researching key issues relating to the safe and responsible handling of radioactive substances. The aim is to develop scientific principles and technologies that ensure the long-term protection of people and the environment - particularly in the context of disposal and final storage.

Materials for future technologies

• The HZDR is developing energy-efficient information technologies to make digitalization more sustainable and reduce the constantly growing energy consumption in data centers. The center combines materials research with phenomena from quantum physics for new concepts in information processing.
• The aim is to make the digital future more sustainable in this way - through lower energy requirements, more durable components and innovative approaches that go beyond traditional silicon technology.

Digitalization and sustainable administration

• Digitalization and remote experiments at large-scale research facilities reduce business trips and conserve resources.
• At the same time, modern administrative processes enable more energy-efficient scientific operations.

Research transfer

• Cooperation with industrial partners and spin-offs not only strengthens innovation, but also contributes to regional value creation and economic sustainability.
• Through transfer projects, scientific findings are translated into economically viable products and processes, for example in the field of water treatment, medical technology or energy storage.

With its research, the HZDR is actively shaping the path to a more sustainable, safe and technologically advanced society.