Sustainable Energy Systems
Our focus at Sustainable Energy Systems is finding practical solutions for the energy transition. In this manner we contribute to achieving the climate objectives.
Our emphasis is on technological innovations. We consider these innovations in their economic, administrative, legal and social context. We work closely with students, professionals and researchers from diverse backgrounds.
Our areas of expertise
Practical research into energy systems of the future
In order to reduce CO2 emissions, sustainable energy solutions are needed that are both reliable and robust. Our research helps bridge the step from lab to practice.
Sustainable energy in education
The energy transition needs many skilled professionals. We link topics from practice to study programmes to prepare students for their future role as professionals.
Flexlab
The Flexlab is an experimental environment where small-scale simulations are made to examine the behaviour of energy grids and systems.
Interested in collaboration or have questions?
Please contact us.
dr. ir. Richard van Leeuwen
Our focus
The energy transition is a complex multi-disciplinary system change. Our research group is therefore active in different key areas. The emphasis is on the situation in the Eastern Netherlands. Each key area is led by an (associate) professor, who builds on their own expertise, network and training relationships while seeking active collaboration in the process.
Bioenergy and heat systems
Organic waste flows, such as manure, sewage sludge and prunings, are widely available in the Eastern Netherlands. Together with our partners, we are developing optimal processes and installations to extract energy (particularly biogas) and raw materials (mainly nutrients) from these waste flows. This reduces unwanted emissions and creates new opportunities for circular innovation.
System integration and Smart Energy
An increase in decentralised, sustainable energy sources leads to brief surpluses and shortages of energy within the energy system. The research group is investigating the energy balance of decentralised energy systems in order to determine optimal energy generation and energy storage capacities. Together with our partners, we are also developing systems for monitoring and smart control of energy flows.
Hydrogen technology and applications
Hydrogen has a key role to play in the energy and raw materials transition. Together with our partners, we model, validate and develop new sustainable hydrogen solutions, in particular for decentralised industrial applications. We work with students, knowledge institutions and the business community in learning communities, and together with SPRONG partner HAN, we are a driving force in the hydrogen community in the Eastern Netherlands.
Research group news
How can we work together?
Do you also support the Sustainable Development Goals? And do you have a practical issue concerning sustainable energy technology that you would like to work on with our team or in a broader context? Please contact us to discuss the possibilities.
In the pursuit of energy innovations, we often work in consortia consisting of different professions and knowledge partners. We regularly apply together to regional, national and international bodies for grants and subsidies.
In addition to the various grants and subsidies, we also perform commissioned research assignments in the field of sustainable energy technology.
Recently, we have seen an increase in interactive collaboration between students, professionals and researchers in so-called Learning Communities. We have considerable experience in setting up such learning environments and are happy to explore options with you to take further steps in this direction.
We regularly give lectures, guest lectures, presentations and workshops about sustainable energy and energy and raw material transitions, at the request of organisations and networks.
Let’s find a solution together
CollaborationOur partners
Our researchers
dr. ir. Benno Aalderink
Associate lector Hydrogen technology and applications
06 - 5389 1350 [email protected]
Collaboration between the research group, the professional field and education
We have built up a broad network, within and beyond the region, with knowledge institutions, businesses and industry associations. These close ties help us translate current examples from practice into teaching materials and student assignments for various study programmes. We also work closely with a variety of groups at Saxion in the Circular Innovation and Energy Transition focus area.
Related programmes
The research group is involved in the following programmes: