CAPTN Energy: Providing impetus for greener shipping

CAPTN Energy enters implementation phase: First projects are about to start. Prof. Dr. Frank Meisel (Kiel University) talks about the goals of CAPTN Energy.

Professor Meisel, thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions about CAPTN Energy. First, I would like to know what role you play in CAPTN Energy.

Meisel: I am the alliance coordinator. This means I take care of all organizational matters. This includes bringing together network partners, co-organizing events, involving our advisory board in our activities, and also serving as the public face, so to speak, of CAPTN Energy.

So, you have more of a networking and organizational role rather than a managing role, in comparison to other CAPTN projects?

That is correct. But I am not the only key player. We have a staff member for innovation management and another for strategy development, a steering group, an advisory board, and the project agency DSN Connecting Knowledge, which supports us. I am comparable to a spider in the web, holding the threads together.

CAPTN Energy is not a research and development project, but rather an organizational unit that distributes funding to various projects, correct?

Exactly. CAPTN Energy is a so-called WIR! alliance in terms of its funding structure. WIR! stands for “Wandel durch Innovation in der Region” (Transformation through Innovation in the Region) and was open to all themes. We applied with the idea of focusing on our region—in this case, the Kiel Canal—and working to advance the energy transition in the maritime economy.

How did you come up with this idea?

We are a region strongly influenced by the maritime sector—economically, scientifically, and socially. However, the maritime economy, or more precisely, shipping, still relies 99% on non-renewable energy sources. We need to address this and drive change in the face of climate change. Additionally, this fits perfectly into the CAPTN vision. The “C” in CAPTN stands for “Clean,” and in this sense, CAPTN Energy contributes to achieving these goals successfully.

What exactly does CAPTN Energy do?

The WIR! program is designed in a way that requires applicants to choose a specific topic and region. We did this, and the Federal Ministry of Economics and Research (BMBF) decided to fund us. In a way, they have delegated the task of distributing research funding to us, initially providing about 8 million euros for approximately two and a half years. Our task is to set up the corresponding funding procedures and determine which specific projects will be supported with this money.

How does that process work exactly?

First, we issued a project call last year focusing on topics related to the maritime energy transition. A second call followed recently. Any stakeholders from business, academia, and society can submit project proposals. Initially, applicants outline their projects, followed by a multi-stage selection process. An external, independent advisory board, consisting of experts from outside our alliance region, makes the final funding decisions based on our thematic framework, submitted project sketches, and, in a second step, detailed applications and pitches presented by the applicants.

What does this thematic framework entail?

CAPTN Energy focuses on the energy supply chain. If we want greener shipping, we must produce energy carriers derived from renewable sources such as solar, wind, or biomass. These energy forms must then be converted through multi-stage processes—such as electrolysis into green hydrogen. However, green hydrogen has a very large volume, so it will likely be converted into methanol or ammonia for use in shipping. Onboard ships, it needs to be reconverted. This creates the need for a comprehensive energy supply chain, requiring solutions for infrastructure, technology, and regulations.

Do individual projects target specific aspects of this?

Yes, they focus on various specific aspects within the scope of the project. However, our main goal is to establish this energy supply chain or at least provide economic incentives. Our job is to ensure that everything interconnects, ultimately forming a cohesive system.

Have there been any project calls yet?

We have issued two project calls. The first call has been completed in the sense that we have gone through the steps mentioned earlier, and the advisory board has decided which projects will receive funding. These projects now need to undergo a formal review by the project management agency Jülich. That is the current status of the first call. A second project call was launched at the end of 2023 and is now in its middle phase. Project sketches have been submitted, the advisory board has reviewed them, and a preliminary selection has been made. The selected applicants are now writing their detailed project proposals.

How many projects were submitted in the first call?

A total of 11 project ideas were submitted, and seven of them were approved by the advisory board. These projects are now set to start soon.

What kind of projects are these?

Some focus on technology-driven solutions for refueling and transport, while others concentrate on energy conversion, such as electrolysis, and address the economic and organizational aspects of the energy supply chain.

That sounds quite comprehensive.

Yes, it is both extensive and complex. While 8 million euros in funding sounds like a lot, considering the significant challenge we face, this money can primarily serve as an impulse—planting small seeds that will ideally grow into large-scale solutions. Our ultimate goal is to drive economic structural change in the alliance region.

When will the projects officially begin?

The alliance itself was launched at the beginning of 2023, including our project office, coordination efforts, and strategy and innovation development. The individual projects approved in the first funding call should hopefully start within the next one to two months. These projects will each run for two to three years. Independently of this, the alliance must undergo a mid-term evaluation later this year.

What does such an evaluation involve?

The mid-term evaluation requires us to expand on the original concept we submitted when applying for WIR! program funding. This involves reviewing thematic priorities, assessing whether adjustments are needed, considering the inclusion of additional alliance partners, and exploring ways to sustain the alliance beyond the funding period.

How can a project that relies on funding become self-sustaining?

Various models are possible. For example, an existing institution or industry partner could take over CAPTN Energy in the future.

Who are the partners submitting applications—companies, universities, or consortia of companies and research institutions?

There are different constellations. Some projects are conducted solely by research institutions, others exclusively by businesses. We also have collaborative projects involving industry, academia, and sometimes societal actors. Given the scope of our challenge, collaborative projects are likely the most promising because innovations—often originating in academia—should ultimately lead to substantial structural change in the economy. However, collaboration is not a mandatory requirement for funding.

Do partners have to come from the defined region, or is cross-border collaboration possible?

Since this is a regional program, we had to define our region. According to BMBF regulations, it cannot be an entire federal state, so we designated the districts and cities along the Kiel Canal as our region. This was challenging because cities like Flensburg or Lübeck are not formally included. However, they can participate by partnering with an organization from within the defined region.

What do the companies hope to gain from the projects?

While I cannot speak for the companies, they likely seek innovations from these funded projects, as well as talent and workforce development, which is a major issue. Additionally, they may benefit from networking opportunities and connections with universities. Ultimately, businesses aim to develop new products and services that generate revenue.

When can we expect results?

It would be unrealistic to expect results within the next few months. However, we anticipate initial outcomes next year—whether in the form of prototypes, business models, or research findings. Our goal is to integrate these findings to create synergies. While we ensure that approved projects align with our broader transformation goals, success is not solely in our hands. Nonetheless, by fostering innovation within companies and research groups, we are planting seeds that can grow into significant change.

Thank you for the interview.

(Translation with the assistance of ChatGPT)