From Kenya to Wunsiedel: Wilson Ngunjiri on his Internship at the UBT Future Energy Lab Wunsiedel

For his three-month internship, Wilson Ngunjiri travelled from Kenya to Wunsiedel. Currently studying Renewable Energy and Environmental Physics at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Wilson has a particular interest in hydrogen technologies from renewable energy, waste-to-energy systems, and the role of innovative technologies in shaping the energy future.

In this interview, he explains how he first came across the UBT Future Energy Lab Wunsiedel, why he chose Germany, and what experiences he gained during his internship.

Wilson, tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from, and what has your academic journey been like so far?

My name is Wilson Ngunjiri. I come from Kenya where I am a final year student studying Renewable Energy and Environmental Physics at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).

My interests lie in green hydrogen technologies, waste-to-energy systems, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. I am particularly interested in how these technologies can help build Africa’s clean molecule economy and decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors.

“I want to play an active role in shaping the development of clean energy solutions in Africa.”

How did you first hear about the UBT Future Energy Lab Wunsiedel?

I first learned about FEL during the Future Energy Concepts Seminar in Germany in 2025, which I had the opportunity to attend. The seminar was organised by BBW International and gave me fascinating insights into the research activities and innovation-focused approach of the UBT Future Energy Lab in Wunsiedel.

The projects and topics presented during the seminar sparked my interest and ultimately inspired me to apply for the internship.

What made you want to join our team?

Participating in the seminar gave me the opportunity to see how innovative ideas are translated into real-world applications. I was especially inspired by the Living Lab concept because it promotes research, experimentation, collaboration, and the transformation of ideas into practical solutions.

It convinced me that this was the right environment to grow as a future energy professional. I wanted to join a multidisciplinary team where I could contribute my ideas while learning from experts working on advanced technologies such as fuel cells, hydrogen end-use applications, and fuel derivatives like e-SAF.

Why did you choose Germany for your internship?

I chose Germany for three main reasons.

First, Germany is a proven global leader in renewable energy technologies, green hydrogen, applied research, and industrial innovation. Second, I wanted to experience firsthand how innovative ideas move from research into pilot projects and eventually into real-world applications. Third, this internship provided an excellent foundation for my future master’s studies in Energy Technology at the University of Bayreuth.

I am confident that the knowledge, experience, and professional connections I gained during my time in Germany will help me contribute to the development of clean energy solutions in Germany, Kenya, and across Africa.

“I would like to use the experience and connections I gained in Germany to help shape the development of clean energy solutions in Kenya and across Africa.”

What did you work on during your internship?

During my internship, my work focused on two main responsibilities.

One of my main responsibilities was developing concepts for international collaboration between Kenya and Germany in the field of future-oriented energy technologies. In addition, I worked on technical project proposals for hydrogen testing infrastructure. This included both the development of technical concepts and the exploration of potential implementation approaches.

What did you learn at the Future Energy Lab?

During my internship at the Future Energy Lab, I developed both technical expertise and valuable research and professional skills.

From a technical perspective, I gained knowledge of electrochemical hydrogen compression (EHC) and developed a deeper understanding of electrolyser operation, including how renewable energy fluctuations can affect performance and which optimisation strategies can help mitigate these impacts. I also learned about hydrogen compression technologies and their role within hydrogen systems. In addition, I gained experience in hydrogen systems modelling and developed a better understanding of how the different components of a hydrogen system interact with one another.

On the research and professional side, I improved my presentation and technical communication skills. I also strengthened my research and analytical abilities, particularly through reviewing, comparing and analysing scientific literature to address technical challenges. Furthermore, I developed a more structured approach to identifying research gaps and translating them into potential projects or research questions.

How did your internship impact your career?

The internship gave me a much deeper understanding of hydrogen systems and of how individual components integrate and interact within the broader hydrogen ecosystem. It also exposed me to practical research challenges that go beyond what is typically covered in academic coursework.

This experience has strengthened my interest in hydrogen and energy technologies and helped shape my future academic and professional goals, including pursuing a master’s degree in this field.

Looking back on your time at the Future Energy Lab, what final thoughts would you like to share?

Looking back, I believe that the living lab approach can play an important role in addressing real-world energy challenges. The opportunity to work on practical problems and explore solutions beyond the boundaries of academic coursework made my experience at the Future Energy Lab particularly valuable.

I greatly appreciated being part of an environment where I could engage with complex challenges, ask questions and learn from the diverse projects being developed across the lab. I am especially grateful to the entire FEL team for their openness and willingness to share their knowledge and experience.

This internship has been an important step in my personal and professional development, and I am thankful for the opportunity to have been part of the UBT Future Energy Lab Wunsiedel.

We would like to thank Wilson for the enriching collaboration and the valuable insights he brought to the UBT Future Energy Lab Wunsiedel during his internship. We wish him every success and all the very best for the future, both professionally and personally. We are excited to see where his journey takes him and look forward to keeping in touch as he continues to shape the future of clean energy.