What is your role at EnBW?
Julia I am a project manager in research and development. My focus is on sustainable hydrogen production and the associated infrastructure, especially in connection with offshore wind
How did you come to EnBW?
Julia: I already did my doctorate in the field of hydrogen production, but on light-driven processes. As I find the topic exciting and important, I wanted to continue to actively shape developments in the field of hydrogen. My research colleagues described positive impressions of EnBW employees, which encouraged me to apply for a suitable advertised position.
What has your career path at EnBW been like so far?
Julia: Since I started about three years ago, I have mainly been working as a project manager in research and development for the BMBF-funded “H2Mare” project. However, my responsibilities have expanded over the past three years, and other topics, including onshore projects, have been added. I have also completed several continuing education courses and have worked on and supervised a handful of theses with various universities.
What does a typical working day look like for you? What are the main tasks of your position?
Julia: It's difficult to define a typical day, as I alternate between working from home and in the office, or am often away on business trips. This also includes working at other locations, e.g. with my colleagues in Hamburg. My working day essentially consists of various activities. On the one hand, there is office work, which includes classic management tasks, meetings, and emails. On the other hand, creativity is necessary to develop new solutions/concepts together with colleagues and partners and then to check whether these represent a good opportunity from various perspectives (such as economic, technical, regulatory, and environmental). In addition, on-site appointments such as conferences and project meetings are an important part of exchanging ideas with others, as projects usually involve several companies and research institutions. This allows us to combine a wide range of experiences and perspectives and work together on a solution.
In a project, we first analyze what is already available on the market that could be usefully implemented in our technology concepts. Based on this, we then search for solutions to outstanding issues, which also involves complex discussions with partners. This is easy to explain using the example of hydrogen: it is expected to play an important role in the long-term storage of fluctuating renewable energy, for example. But there are still unanswered questions, such as whether and how it could be produced directly offshore, or how it could be used most effectively, taking into account the strong fluctuations in offshore power generation. That is why we are investigating what suitable solutions might look like, as there is currently no large-scale offshore hydrogen production.
Was there a particular moment or project at EnBW that stuck in your mind?
Julia: I particularly remember visiting on-site facilities, such as electrolysers and a test bench for rotor blades. You really realize how big the facilities are when you stand right in front of them, rather than just planning them virtually or theoretically. It's very impressive.
Which departments or teams do you work closely with? How is the collaboration organized?
Julia: In addition to my department, I work a lot with other areas, which can vary depending on the issues at hand. For example, I often talk to colleagues from the areas of portfolio development, technology, or operations about issues related to offshore topics that are relevant to offshore hydrogen production and the marine environment.
What do you see as the biggest challenge in your job? Also in terms of the future of energy?
Julia: We are developing new ways of producing hydrogen and possible derivative products directly offshore, which has never been done before. That's why new solutions have to be found and many things have to be considered in order to correctly assess the possible effects before a plant is actually built, for example. If we succeed in this, we will have the opportunity to help secure Germany's energy supply for the future in a sustainable manner.
What skills or qualifications are particularly important in your field?
Julia: The most important skills/qualifications are motivation (committed individuals), a desire to actively drive forward the energy transition, analytical, critical, and creative thinking, including thinking outside the box, as well as a structured approach to work and, above all, the ability to work in a team.
What projects are you currently working on and what makes them particularly exciting?
Julia: I am currently working on the H2Mare project, which is a hydrogen flagship project funded by the BMBF (Federal Ministry of Education and Research) for the production of offshore hydrogen and derivative products such as methanol or ammonia directly in an offshore wind farm. The sea offers ideal conditions for generating the renewable electricity required for this. The direct production of green hydrogen in offshore plants from wind energy without a grid connection can significantly reduce costs compared to onshore production. In addition, H2Mare also addresses overarching issues such as safety and environmental aspects, value chains, and infrastructure requirements. I find it fascinating that so many different people from different backgrounds are working together on a solution for what the energy supply of the future could look like and are breaking new ground in the process.
What do you think makes your work at EnBW special?
Julia: EnBW is a large company with experts available for almost every issue, so that highly specialized and motivated colleagues can work on topics of great complexity and thematic diversity. This also allows me to continually broaden my horizons while working on a green energy supply for the future.
How important are sustainability, renewable energies, and working toward a green future to you personally?
Julia: It is important to me to actively contribute to achieving this green future. That's why I already did my doctorate on the topic of hydrogen production and am now pursuing it professionally. But I also try to do as much as possible by bike or train in my private life, for example.
If you were a young professional or job applicant, what would you like to know about your work at EnBW?
Julia: I find it fascinating to work on the energy transition together with many motivated and friendly colleagues. EnBW also offers a customizable home office policy and there are several sports activities for employees, such as fitness classes, gyms, and sports groups.
If you had to describe your job in three words, what would they be?
Julia: Flexible (for me), varied (in terms of work), exciting.