‘This has been one of the most educational six months of my life’
Challenging work tasks, supporting colleagues and an opportunity to make a difference. This characterises Fabian Kroner and Felix Thorgren's time as thesis students at RISE in the spring of 2025. - ‘This has been one of the most educational six months of my life,’ says Felix.
Both Felix and Fabian are studying civil engineering at Luleå University of Technology – Felix in energy technology and Fabian in process chemistry. They got to know each other through student life and decided to do their thesis together. They chose RISE, where they had the opportunity to work on a highly relevant project in hydrogen production.
– We are in the midst of the green transition here in Norrbotten. Large sums are being invested and things are happening all the time. I wanted to use my education for something that makes a real difference, says Felix.
From methane to hydrogen – with a focus on the climate
The need for hydrogen is expected to increase significantly in the coming years for several important reasons related to climate goals, energy security and technological development. Their thesis project involved investigating a method for producing hydrogen that does not emit carbon dioxide or require too much energy.
– This is a project that looks at the possibility of converting methane, a rather troublesome greenhouse gas, into hydrogen using a molten catalyst. It is a method that we hope will have a major impact on society, says Fabian.
– Our thesis project involved investigating whether this method of converting methane into hydrogen gas is feasible and whether it can be developed on an industrial scale, says Felix.
Two perspectives – one common goal
Despite their different educational backgrounds, they complemented each other well in the project.
– I'm more of a lab person, while Felix is the computer guy. He did advanced simulations and I stood in the lab mixing chemicals – it was a really good collaboration, says Fabian.
– When you have free rein and complex tasks, you need broad expertise. That's why we decided to do it together, says Felix.
There is so much expertise in such a small area
An inspiring environment
Both highlight the working environment at RISE as a major advantage of the thesis project:
– It's a really nice working environment that I would love to return to. All my colleagues were so interested, it was a very open environment for asking questions and quickly getting lots of answers. There is so much expertise in such a small area, says Felix.
Faith in the future and a desire for research
The thesis project has not only given them new knowledge – it has also strengthened their belief in the role of research in society:
– I now see a lot of value in research. There is a lot happening in Sweden and that is where development is taking place. A lot of research is needed, a lot of understanding is needed, and people who are willing to learn are needed. I think the future looks bright for us – and hopefully for Sweden too, says Fabian.