New Methods of Production, Storage, Transport and Use of Energy

The supply of energy is one of the most urgent societal questions and requires a coherent approach in the short-term. The pathway from concept to market introduction of improved and new technologies for energy supply not only requires many years, but in the long term every energy option will have to be used. Research into substantial improvements of highly-promising concepts and the finding of new methods for energy supply will have to take place in consultation and cooperation with market players.

A complete analysis of all energy options is not possible for a country such as the Netherlands. Researchers and market players will therefore have to identify the relevant research subjects within the Dutch context for which sufficient focus and critical mass can be achieved. Various scientific fields can make important contributions to areas such as electricity and heat generation (waste incineration, energy conservation, environment) and materials research (biomaterials, solar cells, hydrogen, fusion). The probality of plans to make a real contribution to the solution of the energy problem will have to be an important criterion for the selection of research areas.

This programme links up with the themes of VNO/NCW, the priorities of SenterNovem, the foresight studies of COS, the themes of TNO and the GTIs, the strategic agenda of government departments, and EU priorities.