Study Visit to Brussels: Energy Innovations and Energy Transition in the Benelux Region
Brussels, November 19-21, 2024 – From November 19 to 21, 2024, a study visit dedicated to energy innovations and the energy transition in the Benelux region was held. The event brought together experts, industry representatives, academics, and public authorities, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and discussions on sustainable energy solutions.
I. Flux50 and EnergyVille Presentation (November 19-20, 2024)
During the first two days of the visit, participants had the opportunity to learn about the activities of Flux50, the Flemish energy innovation cluster, and the research projects led by EnergyVille partners: Vito, Imec, KULeuven, and UHasselt. The presentation was delivered by Guy Vekemans, sustainable energy strategy coordinator at Vito/EnergyVille and business development manager at Flux50.
Key topic included:
- Electricity storage and battery management – current trends and future perspectives,
- Energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings,
- The use of digital twins in urban planning and real estate management,
- Energy requirements for the Einstein Telescope project,
- Integrated carbon-neutral system technologies driving the energy transition,
- Participatory approaches to building collaborative local energy systems,
- The co-creation methodology developed by VUB for sustainable B2B energy ecosystems,
- Designing local multi-energy systems – challenges and opportunities,
- Trilateral energy and carbon value chains in the Benelux region and their development perspectives.
II. Energy Mission 2024 – Benelux Edition (November 21, 2024)
The final day of the visit focused on Energy Mission 2024, which addressed the development of trilateral energy and carbon value chains, exploring their potential and challenges in the Benelux region.
Key thematic blocks:
- Block I – Trilateral Energy and Carbon Value Chains:
A panel discussion on progress in the 3C-VaCS study and cross-border infrastructure initiatives. Participants highlighted challenges and opportunities for the development of cross-border value chains. - Block II – Barriers and Actions in Building Carbon Value Chains:
A panel involving industry and government representatives focused on key challenges, such as stimulating urgently needed investments and developing infrastructure for hydrogen and CCS technologies in the Benelux region.
The study visit to Brussels underscored that the energy transition requires international collaboration and a participatory approach to designing energy systems. The topics discussed and partnerships initiated during the visit provide a solid foundation for further development of sustainable and innovative solutions in the energy sector.
