Saxony: University receives funding for carbon fiber research

Chemnitz/Dresden/Eschborn (dpa/sn) - The University of Chemnitz is to be supported with 5.

Saxony: University receives funding for carbon fiber research

Chemnitz/Dresden/Eschborn (dpa/sn) - The University of Chemnitz is to be supported with 5.87 million euros by the federal government for research into the climate-friendly production of carbon fibers. The funds from the Federal Office for Export Control are to be invested in personnel and infrastructure for the development of the "InnoCarbEnergy" project, as the State Ministry for Regional Development announced on Thursday. According to the university, the project started in March 2021.

Renewable and alternative raw materials such as cellulose or algae are used in research. For example, if components were made of carbon instead of aluminum or steel, CO2 emissions could be reduced due to the lighter weight.

The funds come from the federal program "Stark", which is intended to support the transformation process in the coal regions. "The Free State of Saxony will thus rise to the global top league in carbon fiber research," said Regional Development Minister Thomas Schmidt (CDU). Comparable pilot systems have so far only been in operation in Australia and the USA.