On July 23, Vice Minister of Energy Airidas Daukšas and Strategic Change Management Group Advisor Tomas Lukoševičius visited the Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI). During the visit, the guests were introduced to the institute’s activities, its cooperation with industry and universities, and the importance of public communication in the development and implementation of new energy technologies was discussed.
Exploring Advanced Solutions
The guests visited the Center for Hydrogen Energy Technologies, where the head of the center, Dr. Šarūnas Varnagiris, presented ongoing research activities and innovations, as well as the potential for hydrogen technology development in Lithuania.
During the meeting, the main activities of LEI were presented, including research, innovations, and technologies developed at the center. The discussion also covered possible public outreach initiatives related to hydrogen and other energy solutions.
Research was presented on hydrogen production via methane pyrolysis using novel catalysts, hydrogen extraction using metal and alloy nanoparticles, and hydrogen storage using metal and alloy hydrides. Research on antibacterial materials for use in hydrogen storage and transportation systems was also discussed.
Innovative Research
The Ministry representatives were introduced to ongoing projects, including the development of an innovative catalyst and a technology that produces hydrogen and gamma-aluminum oxide from plasma-activated aluminum and water. Solutions for aluminum waste recycling were also presented, enabling both hydrogen production and clean aluminum recovery.
Additionally, studies on metal hydrides and their integration with fuel cells were introduced, as well as research into the chemical interactions between hydrogen and metals. Planned project activities were also discussed, such as hydrogen production from used photovoltaic cells and the application of unconventional bimetallic catalysts in methane pyrolysis.
During the visit, the guests were accompanied by LEI Director Dr. Saulius Gudžius, Deputy Director Dr. Robertas Poškas, Head of the Center for Hydrogen Energy Technologies Dr. Šarūnas Varnagiris, Senior Researcher Dr. Marius Urbonavičius, Head of the Laboratory of Nuclear Installation Safety Dr. Sigitas Rimkevičius, and International Cooperation Coordinator Monika Inčerytė.
