SHINE

The project SHINE (“Strom und Wasserstoff – die neue Basis des Energiesystems”) is an international research initiative led by Prof. Thomas Hamacher at TUM that focuses on the future integration of renewable electricity and hydrogen production. This initiative is particularly relevant in the context of Uruguay, a global leader in clean energy that has already achieved a remarkable share of 95% renewables in its power grid. In collaboration with leading Uruguayan institutions - including the Universidad de la República - SHINE aims to answer two central questions: How can renewable electricity be integrated across all energy system sectors, and what role does electrolysis play in this transformation?

A core element of SHINE is the development of a virtual electrolysis laboratory. At TUM-APT, we are responsible for establishing and operating a state-of-the-art 10 kW PEM electrolyzer test rig, which bridges the gap between single-cell studies and larger-scale system tests. This unique setup allows the precise measurement and dynamic testing of PEM electrolyzers, including investigations into their partial load behavior across a wide range of operating conditions. The team also develops advanced, physics-based “ab-initio” models of the electrochemical processes in MATLAB Simulink, validated through experimental data, to fully capture the interplay of reaction kinetics, mass and energy balances, and transport phenomena within the electrolyzer. 

To support the integration of electrolyzers into future energy systems, APT is creating a digital twin for real-time simulation and control studies in the CoSES lab, leveraging power-hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) emulation. This highly precise modeling approach makes it possible to test new control strategies and operational scenarios, ensuring that electrolyzers can deliver grid-supporting services and operate safely under realistic conditions.

By connecting the virtual lab with comprehensive energy system models (urbs and SimSEE) at CoSES, the project enables a detailed analysis of Uruguay’s energy transition potential—especially regarding hydrogen production for export. SHINE’s results will inform not only Uruguay’s energy strategy but potentially also Germany’s future hydrogen imports, laying the foundation for sustainable international cooperation.

In recent years, Uruguay has seen a significant expansion of its domestic paper industry. The production of biogenic CO2 offers a unique opportunity to produce synthetic fuel alongside hydrogen, which can then be used in sectors such as aviation and shipping. A key question here is the feasibility of CO2 capture in the manufacturing process, which is itself generally energy-intensive. The APT investigates how to couple CO2 capture with pulp production and integrate them into the energy system to achieve a greater overall efficiency.