HOCHSCHULE BOCHUM FUER TECHNIK, WIRTSCHAFT UND GESUNDHEIT

Their core work

Hochschule Bochum is a German university of applied sciences with deep technical expertise in geothermal energy systems and subsurface engineering. Their research focuses on making geothermal energy extraction more productive and environmentally safe — from controlling CO2 and non-condensable gas emissions to developing advanced drilling technologies. They also contribute to structural health monitoring and non-destructive testing methods, and have worked on wastewater treatment for water reuse. Their applied sciences orientation means they bridge the gap between laboratory research and field-ready engineering solutions.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2016–2018), Hochschule Bochum concentrated on geothermal resource utilization and emission control — working on CO2 management, CCS/CCU, carbon mineralisation, and non-condensable gas handling from geothermal operations. From 2019 onward, their focus broadened into advanced manufacturing techniques for drilling (3D printed sensors, graphene coatings, diffusion bonding) and structural integrity methods like guided wave monitoring and non-destructive testing. This shift shows a move from subsurface energy science toward applied sensor technology and advanced materials engineering.

They are expanding from pure geothermal research into sensor-based monitoring and advanced manufacturing methods — making them increasingly relevant for industrial inspection and predictive maintenance applications.

How they like to work

Hochschule Bochum operates exclusively as a project participant, never as a coordinator — typical for a mid-sized university of applied sciences contributing specialized technical work within larger consortia. With 78 unique partners across 19 countries, they build broad international networks rather than repeating partnerships. This suggests they are adaptable team players who integrate well into diverse consortia and bring focused technical contributions without demanding project leadership.

They have collaborated with 78 unique partners across 19 countries, indicating a wide European and international network. The GEMex project (Europe-Mexico cooperation) shows reach beyond EU borders.

What sets them apart

Hochschule Bochum sits at an unusual intersection of geothermal energy, carbon capture from geothermal sources, and advanced manufacturing/sensor technologies — a combination few institutions offer. As a university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), their work is closer to industrial application than typical university research. For consortium builders, they offer a reliable German partner that brings hands-on engineering capability to energy and environmental projects without the overhead of a large research university.

Highlights from their portfolio

• SURE
  Their largest H2020 project (EUR 923K) — focused on sustainable geothermal resource utilization, representing their core competence.
• GECO
  Directly addresses the intersection of geothermal energy and carbon capture (CCS/CCU) — a niche but increasingly important area for climate policy.
• Geo-Drill
  Showcases their shift toward advanced manufacturing with 3D printed sensors, graphene coatings, and diffusion bonding for geothermal drilling systems.