‘Sustainable development’ and ‘green economy’ are key terms in the Flemish government agreement, Flanders in Action and Pact 2020, and are aimed at systematically implementing and developing Cleantech technologies. One of the central themes in this approach is sustainable chemistry. Sustainable chemistry requires a shift in thinking and in actions: it requires the development of new and improved sustainable technologies. To realise the necessary breakthroughs, VITO and Essenscia have broken new ground with an all-encompassing knowledge centre, which transcends the confines of individual companies and research centres.
Energy-economy is an important factor in Cleantech. One of the projects that VITO is focussing on involves 'smart grids': intelligent energy networks that combine centralised energy production with decentralised energy production, on the one hand, and with adjustable energy demand and storage possibilities on the other hand. Thanks to Energyville, the new Flemish energy institute for training, research and industrial activities, which was established in Waterschei by VITO and KULeuven, we will be able to support groundbreaking European research projects into smart grids.
The sole aim of Cleantech is not only to produce energy that is a hundred percent sustainable; products and production processes must also change. That is why VITO set up the 'Transition' research programme, which goes beyond the technological component and supports greater awareness. In April 2010, VITO and MIP (Flanders environment and energy technology innovation platform) will bring together product and R&D managers from the industrial sector, government decision-makers and scientific experts from all over the world for the 2nd edition of the i SUP multi-conference: innovation for sustainable production. i-SUP2010 (new window), has the honour of being presented by Mildred Dresselhaus, professor at MIT (Boston) and worldwide expert in the field of sustainable materials and nano-technology, and Rajendra Pachauri, chairman of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and a worldwide authority in the field of sustainability. In 2007, he shared the Nobel Peace Price with former vice-president of the United States, Al Gore.
Within the framework of this transition, VITO is examining the implementation of various Cleantech technologies in China and India.
As a follow-up to i-SUP2010, on 19 April 2010, VITO launched FCA, Flanders Cleantech Association (new window). This initiative wants to unite all interested Flemish Cleantech companies in order to foster information exchange, introductions and market opportunities abroad, via FIT and also via VITO’s own channels. For this launch, VITO has invited a number of leading national and international speakers.
