P2X: Virtuelle Realität © Imsimity GmbH / WWF

The P2X Capacity Building Project

WWF Germany, as part of the Kopernikus Project P2X, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), has worked alongside experts and scientists to examine new Power-to-X (PtX) technologies from multiple perspectives. The goal is to make the scientific findings, opportunities, and risks of PtX accessible to the public, professionals, students, and schools.

The Kopernikus Projects

By 2045, Germany aims to be climate neutral. The Kopernikus Projects make a major contribution to this goal: partners from academia, industry, and civil society develop solutions for a clean, secure, and affordable energy supply. Transitioning away from fossil fuels toward renewable energy is a decisive factor in limiting global warming to 1.5°C, or at most 2°C.

The goal of the Kopernikus Project P2X is to develop technologies and processes that enable the conversion and storage of renewable energy. This energy can then be used in the form of hydrogen or its derivatives, either as an energy carrier or as a direct resource, in high-emission sectors such as transportation (shipping and aviation) and industry (e.g., the chemical sector or for process heat), helping to make these sectors more climate-friendly.

The knowledge gathered on PtX technologies in Germany has been compiled by WWF into various formats, all of which are available free of charge.

Virtual Reality

WWF Germany developed the virtual reality experience "Power-to-X: Our Future with Hydrogen" as part of the Kopernikus Project P2X, with the aim of making the opportunities and risks of PtX tangible and easy to understand. The application presents a playful, interactive 3D environment depicting a climate-neutral Germany in 2045 and is aimed primarily at young adults.

Virtual reality (VR) refers to the representation and simultaneous perception of a simulated reality within a real-time, computer-generated, and interactive environment. VR makes it possible to present and communicate complex applications and processes of PtX in an engaging and accessible way within an artificial setting.

In the VR experience, users gain access to key knowledge about PtX. There are several "stations" within the virtual environment that users can explore freely. The advantage of VR lies in not having to follow a linear storyline, while also offering interactive elements (much like a video game) which increases engagement and interest in the content. Each station conveys, in a fun and forward-looking way, the most important applications of P2X in a climate-friendly world.

VR Variants and Formats

The VR is available in two versions: (i) VR-Short, designed for use in classrooms, museums, and events; and (ii) VR-Extended, with a runtime of approximately 45 minutes, and

P2X Short VR

VR-Short

  • Optimized for use in schools, exhibitions, and events.
  • Linear user flow
  • Runtime of approximately 12–15 minutes
  • Fewer interactions and less in-depth information
  • Languages: German, English, and Spanish
P2X Extended VR

VR-Extended:

  • Non-linear user flow
  • Runtime of approximately 45 minutes
  • More interactions, Easter Eggs, and more detailed information
  • Additional lab content: Fischer-Tropsch synthesis
  • Languages: German and English

Formats / Devices

Both VR versions are available free of charge across a range of devices and platforms.

  • VR headsets
  • 360° videos
  • Mobile devices
  • PC application

VR headsets

The VR is compatible with HTC Vive Focus III, Pico 4 and Meta Quest 3 or newer versions.

Depending on the device model, the applications can be installed or downloaded directly via the following links:

HTC Vive (VIVE Focus, VIVE XR Elite)

VR-Short

VR-Extended

 

PICO (Pico Neo 3, Pico 4)

VR-Short

VR-Extended

Meta Quest (Quest 2, Quest 3)

VR-Short

VR-Extended

360° Videos of the VR

The VR experience can also be enjoyed without a headset: to allow cross-device access to VR, the content can be viewed on a PC, smartphone (with or without a Cardboard), or tablet.

The videos for each VR version (Short and Extended) are available on YouTube.

360° Videos VR-Short

360° Videos VR-Extended

  • Approx. 45 minutes, with more detailed content and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis in the lab.
  • Link to videos: German and English

For a 3D experience without a VR headset, affordable or homemade Cardboards can be used.

Our App "Power-to-what? Power-to-X!" for Mobile Devices

P2X App: Screenshot
P2X App: Screenshot © WWF

Alex and Prof. Paracelsius bring a climate-neutral world in 2045 to life not only through 360° videos and virtual reality, but also through our app. It is available for free on both iOS and Android in their respective stores.

Two versions of the app (Short and Extended) are available for free download on both iOS and Android:

Power-to-X! SHORT:

  • Optimized for use in schools, events, and museums
  • Runtime of approximately 12–15 minutes
  • Linear navigation
  • Fewer interactions and less in-depth information
  • Languages: German, English, and Spanish

Power-to-X! EXTENDED:

  • Perfect when more time is available
  • Runtime of approximately 45 minutes
  • Non-linear navigation
  • More interactions, Easter Eggs, and more detailed information
  • In the lab, additionally includes Fischer-Tropsch synthesis
  • Languages: German and English

E-Learnings

As part of the Kopernikus Project P2X, WWF Germany has developed a series of e-learning courses consisting of three modules: (i) "Hydrogen for the Energy Transition and Climate Protection – Power-to-X", (ii) "From Electricity to Fuel – E-Fuels", and (iii) "Sustainability and Power-to-X", with the aim of making the opportunities and risks of PtX accessible to a broad audience.

The content is delivered by experts from the Kopernikus network, industry, and academia.

The Courses

The P2X foundational course "Hydrogen for the Energy Transition and Climate Protection – Power-to-X" covers twelve chapters: color coding, electrolysis, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, applications of PtX in the chemical, transport, and steel sectors, sector coupling, and the sustainability of hydrogen in an international context.

The courses "From Electricity to Fuel – E-Fuels" and "Sustainability and Power-to-X" are advanced modules.

In the e-learning course "From Electricity to Fuel – E-Fuels", experts present in a very accessible way the properties, production, and required resources of e-fuels, as well as their applications in aviation and maritime transport.

The course "Sustainability and Power-to-X" explores the importance of international hydrogen trade and its derivatives, along with criteria for social, economic, and institutional sustainability. Particularly noteworthy are the contributions from experts, firsthand accounts, and images from the project region of Chile.

The courses are available free of charge through our WWF Akademie. After registering, you will have access to additional courses for free.

Go directly to the P2X courses:

"Hydrogen for the Energy Transition and Climate Protection – Power-to-X"
"From Electricity to Fuel – E-Fuels"
"Sustainability and Power-to-X"

WWF Publications

The P2X partners (WWF Germany, DECHEMA, the International PtX Hub, and IZES) are working together with local partners Centro de Energía (Chile) and CSIR (South Africa) as part of the P2X sub-project on Site Analysis and Assessment to develop actionable sustainability criteria.

The results are being published in a seven-part English publication series available here.