New VDI Energy Committee Chair Aims to Accelerate Hydrogen and Sustainability Efforts

VDI Energy and Environment Society Elects New Leadership for Energy and Environmental Technology Committee

The Energy and Environmental Technology Expert Committee of the VDI Society for Energy and Environment (VDI-GEU) has elected Prof. Dr.-Ing. Florian Altendorfner as its new chair during its December meeting. Michael Nolden, who also serves as deputy chair of the VDI Society for Energy and Environment, was appointed deputy chair. The new leadership's term began on January 1, 2026, and will run through December 31, 2028.

Prof. Altendorfner Conducts Energy Research at Münster University of Applied Sciences

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Florian Altendorfner holds the chair in energy engineering and heads the Building Services Engineering program in the Energy · Buildings · Environment department at Münster University of Applied Sciences (FH Münster). His research and teaching focus on heating technology, combustion and power plant engineering, and gas technology, with a particular emphasis on energy storage, heat pumps, and hydrogen.

He is a member of the VDI Power Plant Technology Committee and chairs the Energy Storage Committee. Additionally, he participates in the VDI's "Future Germany 2050" initiative as a member of the Energy Topic Force.

VDI Expert Committee Addresses Key Energy Challenges

The global challenges of the coming decades are immense and demand urgent action: conserving resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to a hydrogen economy, mitigating climate change impacts, cutting air pollution, ensuring food and water security, and sustaining gainful employment. The VDI Energy and Environmental Technology Expert Committee actively contributes to these issues through position papers and analyses, operating under the umbrella of the VDI Society for Energy and Environment.

Critical questions arise in areas such as renewable energy—particularly regarding its further development and application. Another priority is the expansion and modernization of centralized and decentralized combined heat and power (CHP) systems to secure electricity and heat supply.

Wasteful resource use contradicts fundamental ecological and economic principles. In fact, resource efficiency and the sustainable management of natural resources rank among the defining challenges of the 21st century. Against this backdrop, society and industry face the monumental task of using resources more efficiently. The committee examines not only resource efficiency but also circular economy models and waste management strategies.

For further information, visit www.vdi.de.