Monthly Archives: November 2013

This years’ Energy Convention (former Energy Delta Convention) in Groningen, 19th and 20th November, was again very successful with up to 1000 visitors. European North Sea Energy Alliance (ENSEA, a partnership of four regions situated around the North Sea bringing together energy know how and align various research programmes on system integration) joined the programme as a side event at the main stage on the 19th. Charles Groenhuijsen introduced and interviewed three key note speakers on various aspects of system integration for a secure sustainable energy future. Hans van Breugel, managing director Tocardo (The Netherlands), presented the project Energising deltas. This project is about combining sustainable energy generation, like blue energy and tidal energy, with water management in delta areas. Partners in the project are Tocardo, REDstack, Strukton, Deltares, ECN, Erasmus University, Energy Valley and Tidal Testing Centre. According to Van Breugel this is a perfect export product that can be used in the North Sea area and is a great example of an innovative new way of sustainable energy generation. Asbjørn Høivik of Lyse Produksion (Norway) explained how Hydropower plants are an opportunity for large scale energy storage in the North Sea Energy System. He indicates that most hydro power plants in Norway have storage capacities provided by reservoirs. Rogaland, partner in ENSEA, has the largest reservoir in Europe with approximately 5 % of the total amount of storage capacity in Europe. Offshore green decommissioning is another area ENSEA focuses on. After showing the video about ENSEA Koos Lok of the Energy Valley Foundation in The Netherlands takes us further into the decommissioning story. Up to 600 offshore installations will be decommissioned in the coming 20-40 years, which brings along high costs. Looking at other options like re-use of the platforms in an ecological way seem to be very promising, according to Lok. “We are working towards a Masterplan of re-use within the energy infrastructures.” The Energy Convention is an international platform for leading energy experts from various disciplines, sectors and countries. Each year the latest topics in the field of energy transition are discussed by senior representatives from research & development, business and governments. This convention offers an inspiring surrounding for visitors to learn about projects like ENSEA.  

Tuesday the 19th of November an Energy Convention is organised in Groningen. The European North Sea Energy Alliance (ENSEA) is presenting itself on this convention. It’s a partnership of four regions situated around the North Sea bringing together energy know how and align various research programmes on system integration. The network focuses on integrating sustainable, renewable energy into existing energy systems and develop and share knowledge on this transition. Various aspects of system integration will be presented, including the project Energising Deltas as part of Energy & Water Works. Hans van Breugel (CEO Tocardo) will elaborate on this. ENSEA: 4 regions •             Northern Netherlands •             Scotland (UK) •             Wachstumsregion Ems-Achse e.V. (Germany) •             Rogaland (Norway) System Integration Today, the world of energy is on the verge of a revolution. Whereas the past century has been dedicated to building a centralised energy system, the upcoming decades will focus on the transition to a more decentralised energy system. We know however, that the new energy system will consist of both centralised (fossil) solutions and decentralised (renewable) solutions. This ‘integration of systems’ raises questions in all aspects of society: economic markets will change, and there will be shifts in labour markets and the way of working. These developments will cause technological systems to be pushed to their limits to facilitate these changes and deliver a reliable energy supply. Which developments will take place in the next years and how do we prepare for this new decentralised energy system? For more information about ENSEA visit www.ensea.biz Energy Convention For more information on the Energy Convention see Agenda.

Energising deltas is partly financed by the European Regional Development Fund of the European Union. New European funding possibilities will be made possible by Horizon 2020. On Thursday the 5th of December a H2020 Energy Infoday of the European Commission is organised. The next day, on Friday the 6th, a Brokerage Event is organised by the NCP-Network. The event will foster the creation of consortia for the upcoming Horizon 2020 Energy calls on the 3 Focus areas: Energy Efficiency Competitive Low Carbon Energy Smart Cities and Communities You can present your innovative ideas/technologies and call the attention of cooperation partners. Furthermore you can meet prospective cooperation partners in one single day. You need to register before Monday the 18th of November. For more information please visit the website of  Horizon 2020 Energy – First call  (link opens in new browser window).