Economic development and an increase in welfare have traditionally been accompanied by increased energy consumption, most of which based on fossil fuels. It has become clear that continuing this approach is unfeasible from both an environmental and economic perspective. Since fossil fuel reserves are shrinking and the global demand for energy is increasing, securing an energy supply at the lowest possible cost is imperative at local, regional and global level.
The greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the burning of fossil fuels are also changing our world at an unprecedented scale. Hence, we need a transition to a sustainable and low carbon energy system. This is a challenging task and requires that policy makers, relevant stakeholders and the public have access to significant scientific information. VITO is conducting state-of-the-art research in support of policy makers and other actors in addressing the important questions on energy-related issues, such as:
Where are we and where are we going?
How is energy consumption and production (e.g. fossil fuel, renewable energy sources and CHP) evolving [in Flanders]?
What is the impact of policies and measures in support of sustainable energy production and energy efficiency on energy savings and greenhouse gas emissions (on a regional and sectoral scale)?
Which mechanisms will help realise Flemish and European objectives with respect to energy consumption in buildings?
Where should we go to and how do we get there?
How can we support renewable energy and energy efficiency actions as effectively and cost efficiently as possible?
How can the transition to a low carbon economy be realised at the lowest possible cost and what is the role of the different sectors (e.g. the industrial and residential sectors)?
How can we guarantee sustainable bio-energy?
How can we implement bio-energy at national, regional, local and even company level?
Important research topics include:
