Fraunhofer IML and TU Dortmund with Blockchain Project

The blockchain technology will sustainably change supply chains. However, the associated economic benefits should not be a privilege of large corporations: To ensure that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also benefit from the innovative power of blockchain, the newly launched project “DUH-IT” shows SMEs from Dortmund, Unna, and Hamm the way through the blockchain labyrinth – thus becoming a model for numerous other regions.

(Dortmund) In collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML and the Technical University of Dortmund, SMEs in the project “Blockchain in Logistics: Innovation Transfer for the Model Region Dortmund-Unna-Hamm” (DUH-IT) can explore how to optimally integrate blockchain technology into their businesses. Lab visits and demonstrations are intended to illustrate the potential of the technology. Building on this, the project imparts fundamental competencies in the field of blockchain technology. SMEs also receive support in selecting and designing the ideal blockchain technology for their company. The project, which started in March, aims to reach over 1000 companies in the next three years and guide them through the blockchain labyrinth – as the blockchain technology thrives on as many users as possible who create a blockchain ecosystem together.

“The DUH-IT project aims to significantly contribute to bringing the future technology blockchain into the regional economy. Its industry profile, especially in the hydrogen sector, is particularly suited for the application of the technology – therefore, we are convinced that blockchain will quickly unlock potentials here,” emphasizes Prof. Michael Henke, managing director of the Fraunhofer IML.

The project, which is funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of North Rhine-Westphalia with around two million euros, is primarily intended to support SMEs in Dortmund, Unna, and Hamm. With the coal phase-out, this region faces particular economic challenges that are to be addressed by establishing a Westphalian hydrogen economy. The region is to become a pioneer in climate-friendly energy production. To promote the production of primarily green hydrogen in the region, the use of blockchain is central.

Seamless Traceability

The technological properties of blockchain technology enable seamless traceability for green hydrogen from production to the consumer. This makes processes in the hydrogen supply chain more transparent and traceable. Proofs and certificates for the production and use of green hydrogen can be securely stored in blockchain networks. Automated payments between hydrogen producers and electricity suppliers are possible through smart contracts. A blockchain network for hydrogen allows for the mapping of the entire value chain.

What applies particularly to hydrogen also applies to logistics in general: Therefore, the participation of Unna and Hamm in the Dortmund “Innovation Space Logistics” is to be strengthened. The logistics sector also holds great potential that is to be harnessed through the use of blockchain in medium-sized logistics.

About Project Funding

With the call “Regio.NRW – Transformation” from the EFRE/JTF program NRW 2021-2027, projects are funded that make a decisive contribution to successfully shaping regional transformation processes with regard to the specific profiles of the regions. A total investment volume of around 4.2 billion euros is available. It is sourced from 1.9 billion euros in EU funds from the European Regional Development Fund (EFRE) and the Just Transition Fund (JTF), as well as co-financing from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the projects’ own contributions. Projects in the fields of innovation, sustainability, SME promotion, quality of life, mobility, and structural change in coal phase-out regions are supported. The DUH-IT project is funded with around 2 million euros from this fund. Project partners, in addition to Fraunhofer IML, include the Chair of Business Logistics LFO and the Chair of Conveying and Storage FLW at TU Dortmund.

More Information

Photo: © Loginfo24/Pixabay