Thomas Klimeck

I am a Transformation Manager for Renewable Energy in the TransRegINT project at the Centre for Research, Innovation and Transfer (ZFIT) at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. My work focuses on advancing the energy transition in the Lower Rhine region together with companies, municipalities, researchers and other regional stakeholders.

My main areas of interest include renewable energy, hydrogen technologies, energy systems and energy efficiency. A key part of my work is knowledge and technology transfer: How can scientific findings and new technologies be translated into practical applications? And how can challenges and experiences from companies and the region, in turn, contribute to research and teaching?

To achieve this, I initiate and support projects, events and collaborations. These include the Energy Symposium at Rhine-Waal University, activities related to photovoltaics and energy efficiency like Makeathons as well as interdisciplinary projects in which students work together with companies and other partners on real-world technical challenges. In the field of hydrogen, our activities include the practical development and testing of electrolysis and fuel cell technologies.

I am particularly interested in connecting different perspectives and stakeholders. Transforming our energy system is not solely a technical challenge. It requires companies, researchers, municipalities and people who are willing to share knowledge, test new ideas and develop solutions together.

In addition to my work at the university, I work independently as a consultant. This combination of academia, industry and hands-on project work also shapes my approach within TransRegINT: not only talking about transformation, but testing ideas and putting them into practice together.

Areas of expertise

- Renewable energy and the regional energy transition
- Hydrogen and electrolysis
- Energy efficiency and energy management in companies
- Knowledge and technology transfer between academia and industry
- Development and coordination of interdisciplinary projects
- Building regional networks and partnerships
- Events and dialogue formats focusing on energy and transformation

• My research and professional interests focus on innovative and sustainable energy systems, with particular emphasis on practical applications and knowledge transfer between universities, industry and other organisations.
   
• One key area is the generation, storage and utilisation of renewable energy. This includes photovoltaics, hydrogen technologies and electrolysis, as well as the development and optimisation of the components and materials required for these technologies. Particular areas of interest include membrane research, catalyst development and the further development of electrolysis technologies.
   
• I am also interested in the intelligent integration of different energy systems, for example photovoltaics, battery storage, hydrogen systems, charging infrastructure and energy management. Another focus is the development of practical demonstrators and experimental systems that can be used to test new technologies and make them more accessible and applicable for companies, organisations and the wider public.
   
• Collaboration with companies, research institutions, municipalities and other organisations is particularly important to me. Research and development questions should ideally be identified jointly and translated into application-oriented projects, student projects, demonstrators or research collaborations.
   
• Current Research and Transfer Project
• 01 September 2025–31 December 2027 | Transformation of the Lower Rhine Region – Innovation, Sustainability, Participation (TransRegINT) | Funding body: Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) | Project website