25th IERE General Meeting and RWE TI Germany Forum
Day 0: December 2, 2025
Welcome Reception
Day 1: December 3, 2025
Opening Session
General Chairs
- Ingo BIRNKRAUT, Director Strategic Development, RWE Generation SE, Germany
- Michael SCHÜTZ, Head of CCS & Biomass, RWE Technology International GmbH, Germany
Opening Addresses
 | Opening Speech: Munib AMIN, IERE Chair |
|---|---|
 | Welcome Speech: Ingo BIRNKRAUT, Director Strategic Development, RWE Generation SE, Germany |
Plenary Session
Keynote Speeches
K1 | Rüdiger-A. EICHEL, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Director of the Institute for Climate and Energy Systems / RWTH Aachen: Chair of Materials and Processes for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage, Germany | Slides |
|---|---|---|
K2 | Status of the Energy Transition in Europe and the value of flexibility in the future energy system Oliver THEN, Executive Managing Director, vgbe energy e.V., Germany | Slides |
K3 | From the European Green Deal to the Clean Industrial Deal – New Directions for European Energy Policy? Tobias RAMMEL, RWE Head of EU Representative Office Brussels, RWE, Belgium |
Panel Session
| Theme: | Growing Green |
| Moderator: | Max Voß, Team Lead Decarbonisation Intelligence, Strategic Development R&D and Technology Intelligence, RWE Generation SE, Germany |
| Panelists: | Rüdiger-A. EICHEL, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Director of the Institute for Climate and Energy Systems / RWTH Aachen: Chair of Materials and Processes for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage, Germany Oliver THEN, Executive Managing Director, vgbe energy e.V., Germany Tobias RAMMEL, RWE Head of EU Representative Office Brussels, RWE, Belgium |
Technical Session 1
Chairperson: Emiel van Dorp, Strategic Engineer, Biomass Process Engineering & Chemistry, RWE Generation NL, the Netherlands
| T1-1 | Operational Strategies for Scalable Electrolyzer Deployment Aruna CHANDRASEKAR, Research Engineer IV, Net-Zero Clusters, Electrical Power Research Institute Europe, Ireland | Abstract | Slides |
|---|---|---|---|
| T1-2 | Back-up power plants for “dark wind lull” in Germany’s power grid with the comparison of CCGT + CCS versus CCGT with hydrogen or direct ammonia firing Torsten BUDDENBERG, Senior Technical Advisor, Dusseldorf Branch, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries EMEA Ltd., Germany | Abstract | Slides |
Technical Session 2
Chairperson: Lea BOCHE, Principal Technical Leader, Digitalization, Electrical Power Research Institute Europe, Germany
| T2-1 | Safe Handling and Storage of Biomass within RWE Generation Emiel VAN DORP, Strategic Engineer, Biomass Process Engineering & Chemistry, RWE Generation NL, The Netherlands | Abstract | Slides |
|---|---|---|---|
| T2-2 | Lipid Extraction from microalgae by liquefied ammonia MAEDA Yuki, Research Scientist, Energy Transformation Research Laboratory, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, Japan | Abstract | Slides |
| T2-3 | Carbon Capture Projects at RWE – Technical Overview Tobias NEUMANN, Expert CCUS, CCS and Biomass, RWE Technology International GmbH, Germany | Abstract | Slides |
Chairperson: Tobias NEUMANN, Expert CCUS, CCS and Biomass, RWE Technology International GmbH, Germany
| T2-4 | An AI Approach to Optimize the Operation of a Hydrogen Valley Lea BOCHE, Principal Technical Leader, Digitalization, Electrical Power Research Institute Europe, Germany | Abstract | Slides |
|---|---|---|---|
| T2-5 | Heat pumps for new developments in industrial electrification Torsten BUDDENBERG, Senior Technical Advisor, Dusseldorf Branch, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries EMEA Ltd., Germany | Abstract | Slides |
| T2-6 | Joule-heated reactor structures for the electrification of direct air capture Jeroen WEIJTS, PhD researcher, Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands | Abstract | Slides |
| T2-7 | Waste to Hydrogen – Torrefaction pilot plant at RWE Innovation Centre Niederaußem Moritz Doeker, Engineer, Research and Development, RWE Power AG, Germany | Abstract | Slides |
Technical Session 3
Chairperson: Aruna CHANDRASEKAR, Research Engineer IV, Net-Zero Clusters, Electrical Power Research Institute Europe, Ireland
| T3-1 | Energy Storage: State of the Art and Power System Application LI Yuyang, Engineer, Department of Energy Storage, China Electric Power Research Institute, China | Abstract | Slides |
|---|---|---|---|
| T3-2 | Techno-economic comparison of Long-duration energy storage and peaker plants for peak load coverage in the german energy market Tom NESSELHAUF, Master’s Student, Industrial Engineering, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany | Abstract | Slides |
| T3-3 | Thermal Long Duration Energy Storage Options to Replace Grid Flexibility Services to Integrate more Renewables in the Grids Michael GEYER, Managing Director Europe, Malta Inc., US | Abstract | Slides |
| T3-4 | Battery Energy Storage: A Key Enabler for Low-Carbon, Reliable Grid Mohamad Hakim ZAINUDDIN, Senior Analyst, Single Buyer Department, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Malaysia | Abstract | Slides |
Day 2 December 4, 2025
General Meeting
G25-1 | Recent IERE Activities (November 2024–November 2025) Munib AMIN, IERE Chair |
|---|---|
G25-2 | Ongoing Projects and Upcoming Events TAKEI Katsuhito, Secretary General, IERE |
Special Lecture
SL-1 | Powering Progress: How Transdisciplinary Research Shapes the Future of Utility R&D Greg TOSEN, IERE Advising Chair Emeritus | Slides |
|---|
Special Session
Featured Company Overviews, Strategies, and Roadmaps etc.
S-1 | Shaping the Energy Future – EnBW’s Contribution Wolfram MÜNCH, Director, Research & Development, EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG, Germany | Slides |
|---|---|---|
S-2 | Strategic Role of CEPRI in China’s Energy Transition WANG Weisheng, Vice Chair of IERE/Chief Engineer (CTO), China Electric Power Research Institute, China | Slides |
S-3 | Overview of CRIEPI’s R&D Vision – 7 Goals toward 2050 – IKEDA Michitaka, Senior Manager, International Strategies, Planning Group, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, Japan | Slides |
Technical Session 4
Chairperson: Oscar UJAQUE HURLEY, Technical Project Manager, Mechanical Engineering, RWE Technology International, UK
| T4-1 | Integrating Meteorology and AI Technology: Enhancing Climate Resilience for China’s Power System WANG Shu, Senior Engineer, Department of Renewable Energy, China Electric Power Research Institute, China | Abstract | Slides |
|---|---|---|---|
| T4-2 | TOWER LINK -Concept of Reliable and High Speed Communication Network for Real Time Analysis of the Power System Including a Huge Number of DERs- MIYASHITA Michifumi, Senior Research Scientist, Grid Innovation Research Laboratory, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, Japan | Abstract | Slides |
| T4-3 | Key technologies and applications for preventing and controlling grid-connected security risks of massive distributed resources ZHENG Bowen, Engineer, Department of Power Utilization & Energy Efficiency, China Electric Power Research Institute, China | Abstract | Slides |
Technical Session 5
Chairperson: MIYASHITA Michifumi, Senior Research Scientist, Grid Innovation Research Laboratory, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, Japan
| T5-1 | RWE light house project case study: Moerdijk high hydrogen conversion Jappe HOEBEN, Technical Consultant GT Flexibility, RWE TI, RWE Generation NL, The Netherlands | Abstract | Slides |
|---|---|---|---|
| T5-2 | Life Extension and Maintenance Strategy Optimisation (LEMSO) of Gas Power Plants Oscar UJAQUE HURLEY, Technical Project Manager, Mechanical Engineering, RWE Technology International, UK | Abstract | Slides |
Technical Session 6
Chairperson: Sebastian ZIMMERLING, Head of our newest Technical Competence Center “Future Energy System”, vgbe energy e.V., Germany
Workshop Opening Address
Oliver THEN, Executive Managing Director, vgbe energy e.V., Germany
| T6-1 | Estimating Data Center Power Demand and Challenges for Future Power Supply Development in Japan ASANO Kenji, Senior Research Scientist, Socio-Economic Research Center, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, Japan | Abstract | Slides |
|---|---|---|---|
| T6-2 | Chemical and Carbonate Looping Concepts for Efficient CO2 Capture from Diverse Emission Sources Jochen STRÖHLE, Energy Systems and Technology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Germany | Abstract | Slides |
| T6-3 | Development and Verification of MHI Carbon Neutral Solutions (NH3, H2 and CO2) AI Toshishige, Senior Manager, Technology Strategy Department, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Japan | Abstract | Slides |
| T6-4 | View of STEAG Iqony group on decarbonisation and power market Jens REICH, Head of Site Development, STEAG Power GmbH, Germany | Abstract | Slides |
| T6-5 | Geothermal Power Generation Technologies WADA Kazuhiro, Fellow, Heat Cycle Planning & Engineering Dept. Power System Div., Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation, Japan | Abstract | Slides |
| T6-6 | Delivering Carbon Capture at Scale Gabriel DEHLIN, Study Manager, Technical Advisory Services, SLB Capturi, Denmark | Abstract | Slides |
Workshop Closing Remarks
ISHIKAWA Tomoo, General Manager, Engineering Department, Thermal and Nuclear Power Engineering Society
Closing Remarks
C-1 | Ingo BIRNKRAUT, Director Strategic Development, RWE Generation SE, Germany |
|---|---|
C-2 | TAKEI Katsuhito, Secretary General, IERE |
Social Event (Optional)
Visit of the Brewery “Im Goldenen Kessel” in Düsseldorf with traditional German dinner/ buffet
“Welcome to “Im Goldenen Kessel”(For participants who have booked the optional Social Event)
about Im Goldenen Kessel
In the middle of the Altstadt (old town), in “IM GOLDENEN KESSEL”, businessman meets postman, the long-time resident meets the globetrotter. Family-owned for over 120 years, this is our most traditional brewpub.
In the heart of Düsseldorf’s old town you’ll find the historically most important brewery bar IM GOLDENEN KESSEL on Bolkerstrasse. This house has been a living Düsseldorf cultural hotbed for over 120 years.
For example, the first bust of the Düsseldorf-born poet Heinrich Heine was placed here for public viewing. Today he still looks upon the happy goings-on in the Golden Kettle. The medical faculty of the Heinrich Heine University was also founded here with one or two SCHUMACHER ALT as well as many (traditional) associations.
Anyone who comes to visit us in the IM GOLDENEN KESSEL can look at the history of the city in many original pictures from the Düsseldorf School of Painting. Altbier was also brewed in this house until 1925. Today, our traditionally witty and friendly Köbesse (waiters) serve – as is typical for breweries – businessmen, workers, foreigners, people from Düsseldorf, men, women, or simply friends with one, two, three (…) 1838s or SCHUMACHER ALT.
Technical Tour (Optional)
Visiting RWE Innovation Centre (For participants who have booked the optional Technical Tour)
about The RWE Innovation Center
The RWE Innovation Center in Niederaussem serves as a hub for pioneering research and development focused on the future of energy supply. Key questions addressed at the center include how CO2 scrubbing works and how carbon dioxide can be transformed into a valuable raw material. The Innovation Center is equipped with advanced testing and demonstration facilities, such as CO2 and methanol filling stations, CCU testing plants, a demonstration plant for mercury mitigation, multi-fuel conversion units, and thermocatalytic reforming (TCR) systems. It also features specialized rigs for gas cleaning, synthesis, and fluidised-bed drying.
RWE’s commitment to innovation is reflected in the investment of over 100 million euros in recent years at the Niederaussem site. Through its Info Centre, RWE fosters transparency and engagement, helping the public understand complex energy topics while providing an international platform for expert exchanges on leading-edge technologies.
https://www.rwe.com/en/research-and-development/rwe-innovation-centre/
Venue
Clayton Hotel, Düsseldorf, Germany
Location: Immermannstraße 41, 40210 Düsseldorf, Germany
https://www.claytonhotels.com/duesseldorf/en/
Organizer
RWE TI: https://www.rwe.com/en/the-group/rwe-ti/
https://www.rwe.com/en/the-group/rwe-generation
IERE: https://www.iere.jp
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