IUB celebrates the dedication of the “E.ON Energie Laboratory”

On Friday, 3 September, IUB celebrated the dedication of the “E.ON Energie Laboratory.” The laboratory building was named in recognition of the Munich-based firm E.ON Energie AG. The dedication is a gesture of gratitude by the University for the company’s generous support. E.ON Energie has made significant contributions to the growth of IUB’s endowment and provided support for the University’s ongoing operations.

[ Sep 06, 2004]  Blue skies and warm sunshine accompanied the reception and unveiling of the dedication plaque. President Dr. Fritz Schaumann, Dr. Walter Hohlefelder, member of the Board of Directors of E.ON Energie AG, and Dr. Laurenz Thomsen, IUB Professor of Geosciences, spoke at the reception.

Dr. Schaumann praised E.ON Energie's dedication and commitment to innovation in German higher education. “This is an exemplary initiative on their part.” Dr. Schaumann expressed his hope that other business leaders will back up their calls for reform in the German higher education system with similar actions.

Dr. Hohlefelder commented, “We are proud to be able to support IUB and thereby provide opportunities for active research to students, scientists, and researchers in the different disciplines. We hope with our support to profit from the results of this research, as well as to gain potential new talent.”

In his talk, Professor Thomsen expressed his enthusiasm for a cooperative relationship with E.ON Energie. In a planned research project the feasibility of using marine micro-algae to break down carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from coal-fired power plants will be explored. “The reduction and sequestration of greenhouse gases represents a tremendous challenge to the industrial nations,” explained Thomsen. The joint project will investigate whether emissions from the E.ON power plant in Farge can be used for the production of bio-diesel or other products.

The E.ON Energie Laboratory includes research labs for biophysics, bioengineering, and analytical and organic chemistry, as well as teaching labs for the natural and engineering sciences. It is one of two laboratory buildings at IUB. A third complex is presently under construction.