Internship | techno-economic assessment and modelling of chemical processes driven by sunlight

About this position

To mitigate climate change, the introduction of a circular carbon economy based on renewable energy sources is vital. Therefore, novel technologies need to be assessed to support this transition. Within this project, we will focus on the direct utilization of sunlight to produce key chemical building blocks such as syngas and methanol.

What will be your role?

In the TES research group, we explore the energy transition from a system perspective with a techno-economic angle. We assess the costs and potential of new technologies to guide their development and build energy-system models to envision what tomorrow’s energy landscape could look like. This assignment contributes to the group’s core mission of assessing emerging technologies from a techno-economic perspective. You will analyse processes that harness direct sunlight to produce essential chemical building blocks such as syngas and methanol. Your work includes detailed process modelling in Aspen Plus, optimisation for cost and energy efficiency, and an economic feasibility study to define development targets.

A key aspect is close collaboration with the research team developing the underlying technology, who will share experimental data and pilot-plant insights. This collaboration offers a valuable opportunity to see how laboratory results scale up to full, future-proof processes—and to help guide experimental campaigns in return.

What we expect from you

• Master student in chemical engineering or relevant field of engineering;
• Hands-on mentality;
• Critical towards data and result;
• Team player in a multidisciplinary environment;
• Experience with the Aspen Plus software package is a strong plus.

What you'll get in return

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.