Exploring and utilizing the raw materials and energy carriers of the deep subsurface – a man’s domain? The “She Drives Energy” network, supported by the DGMK, promotes women, including through a study award.
For the fourth time, the “She Drives Energy” network has awarded its study prize for outstanding scientific research by women. In 2026, the prize, endowed with 500 euros, goes to Laura Arias Mendez.
With this award, the women’s network initiated by the Deutsche Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft für nachhaltige Energieträger, Mobilität und Kohlenstoffkreisläufe (DGMK) honors the scientist’s master’s thesis. For her degree at Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, she examined the importance of pipeline networks as short-term buffer storage systems for hydrogen. The thesis bears the title “Analysis of the Interaction Between Pipeline and Cavern Storage Using a Simplified Dynamic Model.”
In it, Arias Mendez developed a mathematical model that calculates the network’s storage capacities while hydrogen storage options in caverns are still under development. For her research, she referred to facilities and infrastructure of EWE Gasspeicher GmbH. Her calculations take into account the diameter of pipelines as well as possible periods of operational downtime.
The study prize regularly places special scientific achievements by women at the center of attention in an industry that is still often regarded as male-dominated. DGMK Managing Director Gesa Netzeband presented the certificate during the joint spring conference of the DGMK and the Österreichische Gesellschaft für Energiewissenschaften (ÖGEW) on May 6 in Münster, Westphalia. One day later, Arias Mendez presented the results of her work in the panel on hydrogen storage.
Netzeband used the award ceremony to address Laura Arias Mendez’s career path. Now working as an engineer and project manager, she first earned her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in Venezuela before completing a master’s degree in technology management in Portsmouth, England. In Oldenburg, she received the grade of 1.0 for her master’s thesis.
