Biofuel from algae or nuclear fusion. But also 'clean fossil' and capture of CO2. Sustainable energy is more than just technology.
The University of Twente has an integrated approach with a
focus on increasing society's understanding of this technology. We
asked Professor Hans Kuipers if we are changing to new energy
sources quickly enough: "No! Fossil energy is in many ways far
cheaper than the alternatives. And the Dutch and European decision
making processes are making it more difficult. We are avoiding
important choices."
Hans Kuipers is the scientific director of IMPACT,
Institute for Mechanics, Processes and Control Twente, and is
leading a variety of major research programs on sustainable energy.
Kuipers realizes that the crossover or transformation cannot be
reached only by developing new technologies. "During the
introduction of new technologies, you also need to deal with
communication and governance issues. At University of Twente we
choose for an integrated approach."
Sjoerd van Tongeren, Director of IGS,
Institute for Innovation and Governance Studies, approves. "We work
very closely with Dutch regions like the Achterhoek. They want to
strengthen their green image and aim to increase sustainability. Is
it possible to stimulate local relationships and what choices have
to be made by governments? How can you attract strong industrial
partners? Those are typical questions for IGS."
Algae
Biomass, which Kuipers expects to be introduced widely in
about 10-15 years, is a subject which raises a lot of dilemmas.
Kuipers is not afraid to discuss matters like competition in
the economy of food and the 'water footprint' of biomass. "We
are not talking about first generation biofuels, which were really
not that good and competed with the food production. Today, the
leaves and stems of rapeseed deliver the same amount of oil as the
seeds. We are more capable of producing fuel from 'dedicated
biomass'. And we expect a lot from Algae as a biomass. Currently
five or six chairs work closely with colleagues at Wageningen
University. The water consumption discussion also continues, but
there is no need to grow algae in a country with water
shortages."
If we look beyond the 'sustainable energy' horizon a
couple of decades, we see nuclear fusion. IMPACT is working
cooperatively on an experimental reactor ITER that is being
built in France. "The future will show if we can upscale this
process so a plant that really can deliver energy can be produced.
With our excellent reputation in the area of superconductivity, we
can contribute valuable knowledge to produce the gigantic
magnets that are necessary for this plant."
Initially the 'sustainability' of existing technology is
enough of a challenge. The researches call it 'clean fossil'.
Researchers at the University Twente are working on purifying
emissions from coal fired power plants. Kuipers says, "Even when
you know how to capture CO2, you still need store it in a
suitable place. The idea is use an empty gas field in
Barendrecht. An amazing idea, but to be able to realistically
realize it, you need to invest in excellent communication. The
sheer number of objections had not been expected. It just
emphasizes that technology alone cannot do it. You have to
continuously work on risk perception and invest in
communication."
Van Tongeren, University of Twente spokesperson, said.
"What people do not realize is the effects of changing energy
sources on residential areas and infrastructures. An Amsterdam
street filled with electric cars all plugged in, can you imagine
that? That would require enormous changes. And we must remember
that current energy savings also reduce the production of CO2. We
are not talking about removing all light bulbs, but, for example,
the use of intelligent domotica (home automation) that connects
heath and electricity. That is another issues that requires
business to cooperate".
"No one knows when the oil will run out" according to
Kuipers. "But remember that it is more than just an energy issue.
Oil is one of the main ingredients of many products, and this also
requires alternatives. The chemical industry is currently
adapting their processes. At the same time I see opportunities
for new materials in, for example, aviation. Light, sustainable
materials can lower fuel consumption. In these ways, the University
of Twente approaches the issue of sustainability from many
sides."
www.impact.utwente.nl
www.igs.utwente.nl
www.dagvandeduurzaamheid.nu
www.set.utwente.nl
