Internship | Industrial Integration Opportunities for Low Carbon CO₂ Conversion Technologies

This project contributes directly to global efforts for deep industrial decarbonization. By exploring the integration of TNO’s CLARA (Chemical Looping Ammonia Reforming reActor) technology which is a novel chemical looping process that combines ammonia cracking and CO₂ conversion, you will help identify pathways to reduce CO₂ emissions and energy demand in various industrial domains including critical sectors such as steelmaking, synthetic fuels, hydrogen import hubs, and circular carbon routes. Your work will support the development of sustainable industrial processes and accelerate the transition toward low carbon economies.

As an internship student, you will conduct a comprehensive desk study to evaluate the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of TNO’s CLARA technology in various strategic industrial domains. Your responsibilities will include reviewing literature and benchmarking current syngas production and NH₃ cracking technologies, developing process flow sheets and integration scenarios, performing preliminary techno-economic analyses to estimate CAPEX and OPEX, and assessing the environmental impact with a focus on CO₂ reduction potential. You will also identify key stakeholders and market opportunities for industrial adoption.

Within this topic, adjacent to these tasks, you will address these specific research questions: How can the products and their ratios be tuned to meet the requirements of steelmaking, synthetic fuels, hydrogen hubs, and C1-chemistry applications? What are the preliminary CAPEX and OPEX estimates for CLARA-based systems in each scenario, and how do these costs compare to benchmark technologies? What is the CO₂ reduction potential for each integration scenario? Which industrial pathways offer the highest technical and economic viability for CLARA technology?

You will join a multidisciplinary team of Synthetic fuels & chemicals, collaborating with experts in chemical engineering, energy systems, and industrial integration.

We are looking for a proactive and analytical candidate who is motivated to tackle complex sustainability challenges. You should be able to work independently, communicate your findings clearly, and enjoy collaborating in an international research environment.

The ideal candidate can organise and critically analyse data, while you work in a structured way. You can clearly communicate the results of your analysis and transfer your knowledge to other team members. You are fluent in English in speaking and writing, while you feel comfortable working in an international, diverse and multidisciplinary environment. We are looking for:

• Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Technology, Energy Systems, or related field
• Knowledge of techno-economic analysis and CO₂ reduction strategies
• Experience with process modeling tools (mainly Aspen Plus software)
• Familiarity with industrial decarbonization technologies and syngas production
• Strong research, reporting, and data interpretation skills

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• 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.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. 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. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.