Energy and Process Systems Engineering LaboratoryOpen OpportunitiesThe chemical industry is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for approx. 7% of the total. Although the energy demands of the chemical industry can be decarbonized by electrification, the industry requires carbon-containing compounds as feedstocks for the production of many chemicals. Besides electrification of production processes, the defossilization of the chemical industry could be driven by the use of bio-based chemicals, CO2 captured from other processes, recycling, etc.
Thus, the chemical industry plays an important role as it will be a major driver of increased electricity demand and a potential user of future carbon supply chains. Current literature often treats the chemical and energy sectors in a decoupled manner, despite the clear coupling between the sectors. Recent research, such as Mayer et al. [1], demonstrates the potential of sector coupling of the German energy system with a few chemicals in an optimized transition pathway at a national level. This work aims to fill the research gap by extending this analysis to a global scale. As chemical industries can relocate or emerge in regions with cheaper and more flexible electricity production, it is important to consider the transition on a global scale.
Prerequisites:
Applicants should have a basic understanding of energy technologies, energy systems analysis, and techno-economic assessment. Familiarity with programming in Python and knowledge of linear optimization techniques are considered beneficial. However, motivated students with strong analytical skills and a willingness to learn are also encouraged to apply. - Engineering and Technology
- ETH Zurich (ETHZ), Master Thesis
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