Master Thesis - Influence of disruptive developments and current techno-economic trends on the [...]

The energy transition is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. At the Institute of Climate and Energy Systems – Jülich Systems Analysis (ICE-2), we develop strategies for renewable and cost-optimized energy systems of the future. To do this, we use powerful energy system models with a wide range of spatial resolutions and modeling focuses to perform realistic analyses. If you would like to support us in this endeavor, join our Energy System Transformation team at the Institute of Climate and Energy Systems – Jülich System Analysis (ICE-2) and make an important contribution to our research with your master`s thesis. In addition to the active further development of optimization models, this also includes the development of transformation scenarios in order to make an active contribution to a greenhouse gas-neutral future.

Your Job:

The continuous provision of transformation scenarios as a basis for decision-making for stakeholders in industry and politics places high demands on the scope and timeliness of our energy system models. In technologically detailed energy system models, these requirements are increasingly leading to challenges due to the rapid techno-economic development of the modeled technologies. There are considerable uncertainties in future developments, particularly with regard to novel technologies such as electrolysers and negative emission technologies, as well as the expected expansion of data centers. In addition, the quality of the model results depends to a considerable extent on the type of modeling of the current plant inventory with its techno-economic parameters. As the energy system is constantly changing, regular updating of key input data is necessary to ensure a realistic initial state and reliable projections. The aim of the master`s thesis is to examine the influence of these current and future techno-economic developments on the transformation path of the German energy system. In detail, this involves the following tasks:

• Selection of technologies relevant to the future energy system in terms of the expected developments of their techno-economic properties
• Structured data research to develop consistent technology scenarios with a focus on technological and economic developments, such as the expansion of data centers
• Integration of the data basis into an open-source technology database (TechDB) for subsequent internal and external use
• Familiarization with the national energy system model ETHOS.NESTOR and modeling of the future electricity demand of data centers
• Conducting and analyzing a systematic scenario analysis of the transformation of the German energy system by 2045

Your Profile:

• Very good grades in your master`s degree in energy technology, engineering, environmental sciences, renewable energies, industrial engineering, materials and earth sciences, or a comparable degree program
• You are required to have a fluent command of written and spoken English with an extensive vocabular (at least B2 level according to the CEFR: ), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level. Knowledge of German is an advantage due to the thematic focus of the work
• You are interested in current energy technology and policy issues
• You already have some experience in data analysis and programming with Python or a comparable programming language
• You are highly motivated and able to work independently and analytically
• You have a high degree of self-organization and time management skills

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• SCIENTIFIC ENVIRONMENT: You can expect excellent scientific equipment, modern technologies, and qualified support from experienced colleagues
• MEANINGFUL TASKS: Your thesis deals with a future-oriented, socially relevant topic with direct practical relevance in an international environment
• INTERNATIONAL TEAM: A pleasant working environment within an international team at one of the most prestigious research facilities in Europe
• FAIR REMUNERATION: You will receive appropriate remuneration for your work
• FLEXIBLE WORKING HOURS: Organize your working hours flexibly and take advantage of the opportunity to work successfully from home.
• FIXED-TERM: The position is limited to 6 months
• PERSPECTIVE: If you have the appropriate qualifications and funding is available, the institute offers the opportunity to pursue a doctorate after completing your master`s thesis. In addition, there is the option of publishing the results in a scientific journal as a co-author

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more:

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: and on specific support options:

We look forward to receiving your application. The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible.