Mission

Enable the transformation of our energy system, mobility and industrial energy conversion processes towards the use of energy from renewable sources.

The availability of affordable and clean energy and climate protection are among the 17 global sustainability goals that were adopted by the United Nations in 2016 and are to be achieved by 2030. The transformation of energy systems, mobility and material value chains, which are based on the unsustainable use of fossil fuels and nuclear energy, towards the use of renewable energies is considered an important key element in achieving these two goals.

In our key research area, we are contributing to this process. Our work focuses on the further development of selected technologies and components for the conversion, storage, transportation and use of energy, as well as on work that looks at the systemic relationships and interaction with the environment and society.

Our actions are aimed at

• creating the knowledge necessary for the transformation of the energy system,
• its application in practice and, in particular, at Leibniz Universität Hannover
• as well as the transfer of knowledge, both in university teaching and to the interested public.

Interdisciplinary networking on the topic of energy within and outside Leibniz University Hannover

We see ourselves as a place for exchange, for thinking about new things and developing ideas together, beyond the boundaries of institutes, faculties and facilities. We strengthen our research and networks within the university and beyond through bilateral and multilateral projects. We give visibility to competencies and achievements and present energy research in all its facets. In doing so, we ensure the strategic further development of energy research and energy-related teaching at Leibniz University Hannover. We are the point of contact for stakeholders and impart knowledge in a variety of ways, be it through study programs, lectures or events. To this end, we support all stakeholders and, in particular, the next generation of scientists in gaining qualifications and broadening their knowledge and horizons.

History

In 2010, the Energy Working Group was founded at LUH under the leadership of Prof. Axel Mertens. On 17 November of the same year, the research initiative “Energy 2050 - Transformation of the Energy System” was set up in order to make LUH's expertise and interdisciplinary research in this field more visible and to strengthen networking. The research initiative had members from all faculties of Leibniz University Hannover.

In 2013, the research initiative was asked to submit an application for the establishment of a research center. Following a successful external review, the LUH Executive Board decided to establish the Leibniz Research Centre Energy 2050 (LiFE 2050) on December 18, 2013.

In 2014, a discussion process was launched for the realignment of the cooperation with the Energy Research Center (EFZN), with the result that the EFZN became a joint institution of the five founding universities.

In January 2024, the Senate, in agreement with the Presidential Board and with the approval of the Foundation Board, adopted the 2026 development plan and established energy research as LUH's sixth research focus. It complements the five already established research focus areas of biomedical research/technology, optical technologies, production technology, quantum optics and gravitational physics as well as scientific reflection.