By summerstudent Ralph Carlo Evidente >
As the sun set over Berlin’s Alexanderplatz, I rushed past the iconic Weltzeituhr, drawn towards home by the last light reflecting off the Fernsehturm. That evening, as I settled in to watch the latest episode of House of the Dragon, the parallels between my own journey and the on-screen drama were unmistakable. In Episode 7, as Vermithor chose Hugh Hammer amid the flames, I saw a reflection of my own life choices— not aligning myself with mythical beasts, but with the field of sustainable energy. This field, crucial in tackling global issues like resource scarcity and energy poverty, seemed destined to define my career. It was a vivid reminder that, much like the characters on screen, we each have our moments of decision that steer our fate and impact the world.
Like the dragons of lore, I had traversed diverse terrains — from the vibrant coasts of the Philippines, where renewable energy potential remains largely untapped, to the technological hubs of Germany, leaders in sustainable innovation. As I sat in the dim glow of my living room, stirred by the episode’s drama, I found myself dreaming not just as an observer, but as a dragon poised above the rugged landscapes of my travels. In this vision, I was more than a mere spectator; I was a guardian of nature, waiting for collaborators—my riders—who would bring expertise and passion to join me in championing solutions for our planet’s pressing challenges.
Summer of Beginnings: Igniting Change
On the serene island of Palawan, nestled within the vast Philippine archipelago, I found myself amidst stunning coral reefs beneath crystal-clear waters. Yet, this picturesque realm was not without its trials. Our community faced frequent power outages and escalating electricity costs—clear signs of our heavy reliance on imported fuels. This stark energy challenge fueled my resolve, as a guardian of this realm, to seek out sustainable alternatives.
Spring of Renewal: Blossoming Heritage and Future Frontiers
As I venture through South Korea, my journey mirrors a dragon’s flight over landscapes dotted with cherry blossoms. This union of natural beauty and technological progress is profound. In spring, beneath pink blossoms, I explore South Korea’s comprehensive energy strategies, which balance nuclear expansions with robust investments in renewables like solar, wind, and tidal energy. Their commitment extends to enhancing energy efficiency and pioneering smart grid technologies, establishing South Korea as one of the global leaders in building a resilient energy system.
Autumn of Transformation: Turning Leaves and Shifting Perspectives
At Jeonju Hanok Village, traditional Hanoks — Korean houses built without nails, showcasing centuries of architectural wisdom — are not just relics; they symbolize resilience, blending history with modernity. Wearing a hanbok, a traditional Korean dress, I reflect on Korea’s transformation from a once war-torn peninsula to one of the global leaders in sustainable energy solutions.
As my dragon wings carried me over Paris, the Eiffel Tower stood as a beacon amidst the cityscape, reminding me of the recently concluded 2024 Olympics. This symbol of Industrial Age ingenuity now witnessed a city harmonizing historical elegance with cutting-edge sustainability. The Olympic Village, built with low-carbon materials, is beginning its new life as permanent housing, demonstrating the lasting impact of sustainable construction. The Games, powered by renewable energy sources like solar and bioenergy, showcased how natural forces can illuminate major events. The Olympic medals, composed of minimal gold and mostly silver, reflected a wise use of resources, reminiscent of a dragon’s prudent treasure management. These strides highlight the enduring legacy of integrating sophisticated, energy-efficient solutions into an urban framework, ensuring that the lessons learned, like a dragon’s lore, resonate beyond fleeting moments of glory.
Winter is Coming: Insights from the North
Soaring into the Scandinavian north, I encountered a landscape that echoed the wilderness ‘Beyond the Wall’ from the tales of Jon Snow. In Finland, known for its high quality of life, I visited Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village. Here, a husky sled ride and traditional sauna offered a glimpse into how the locals thrive in the harsh winter. My journey then took me to Sweden’s Kiruna mines, a vital source of rare earth elements used in green technologies like electric vehicles and wind turbines. These experiences revealed how the North leverages its natural resources to play a critical role in the global energy transition.
As winter turned to summer, I began to reflect on the broader challenge facing the energy sector: the heavy reliance on rare earth elements for materials used in energy storage and conversion. These critical materials, while essential, come with significant environmental and economic costs. This realization propelled me to continue my journey to Berlin, where I would focus on finding solutions to these challenges, particularly in the field of hydrogen economy—seeking alternatives to the expensive catalysts and REE dependency that are so pervasive across the globe.
Under the Summer Sun: A Dragon’s New Era
As dawn broke over Berlin, I paddled along the Landwehrkanal, reflecting on the crucial work ahead. My project assignment at the Adlershof campus focused on enhancing hydrogen production by developing new materials to make water splitting cleaner and more efficient. The goal was to find alternatives to current unstable materials by combining metal oxides like cobalt and iron with MXenes, which are special layered materials known for their conductivity.
Exploring Berlin felt like wandering through the realms of Westeros, where ancient history and cutting-edge innovation coexist. Landmarks such as the Brandenburger Tor and Berliner Dom stood as symbols of tradition, while the city’s modern spirit mirrored my quest to advance energy technology. As the summer sun set over Berlin, I felt like a dragon awakened from a long flight, ready to embrace the new challenges and opportunities ahead. I was poised to begin a new chapter, where my knowledge and connections would guide me on my journey—much like forging a new song of wings and tides, prepared for the adventures that lie ahead.
On the author: Coming from Philippines, Ralph Carlo Evidente is currently pursuing an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree in Sustainable and Innovative Natural Resource Management (SINReM) at Ghent University, Uppsala University, and Freiberg University of Mining and Technology. With a strong background in chemical engineering and a focus on energy/nuclear materials, he is dedicated to advancing innovative solutions in the energy sector.