The GFZ's Scientific Director Susanne Buiter presented the GFZ as the national centre for solid Earth science to the Federal Minister of Education and Research Bettina Stark-Watzinger on Monday. Using small exhibits such as satellite models and drill cores, she and Administrative Director Stefan Schwartze also presented current research issues related to monitoring and mitigating climate change and its effects, as well as the potential of underground storage for energy supply and CO2 reduction.

Minister Stark-Watzinger said: “Tackling climate change is a human task. Research and innovation will play an essential role in this. The GFZ's range of topics from climate monitoring with satellites to geothermal energy and the storage of carbon dioxide and hydrogen offers innovative approaches with great relevance not only for Germany. We need further research in these areas to set the course for the future.”

Susanne Buiter continued: “Geo research can make essential contributions to mitigating climate change and dealing with its consequences in many ways. One example is the geological storage of hydrogen, for example in old natural gas reservoirs. We are planning a demonstrator project for this. In everything we do, it is important that we researchers understand ourselves as part of society. For example, in our research on CO2 storage in Ketzin, we saw how successful it is for the acceptance of critical projects to comprehensively inform and involve the population.” In this context, the Scientific Director highlighted the integration of the former IASS into the GFZ: “In questions like these, which link our research even more than before with society, we have the ideal partners in our new colleagues from the Research Institute for Sustainability RIFS.”

Susanne Buiter also took the opportunity to thank the Minister once again for her support for the follow-up mission for the GRACE-FO satellites, which was decided by federal politicians before Christmas. Using two satellite models, she explained how the gravity field measurements work and their potential for monitoring climate change, especially the Earth's water balance.