#FutureLabEarth

Mereth Kleikamp has successfully completed her bachelor’s thesis as part of our #FutureLabEarth initiative! Her research explored how photovoltaic systems can be used for hydrogen production – as a sustainable energy storage solution during periods of low solar radiation.

Using data from a pilot PV installation on the roof of our Geo and Environmental Research Center (GUZ), she analyzed real solar irradiance and calculated the theoretical amount of green hydrogen that could be produced and later converted back into electricity. A fascinating contribution to the local energy transition – congratulations and keep up the great work!

The field experiment on enhanced weathering is in full swing – monitoring, sampling, and analysis are running smoothly. The first data sets are already in, and they look promising. We’re excited to see what the upcoming results will reveal!

Tamara Michaelis from ZeroEx visited the #FutureLabEarth and offered fascinating insights into the practical implementation of enhanced weathering and MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification). Particularly exciting: How is large-scale monitoring conducted? How are soil, water, and plant samples systematically collected? And how can CO₂ fluxes be reliably accounted for?

Using real-world projects, she demonstrated how sensor technology, remote sensing, and standardized protocols are used to monitor the effectiveness of rock dust applications – including the challenges that arise in everyday fieldwork. A valuable contribution that brings research and practice closer together. Many thanks for the open and engaging exchange!