VITO’s scientific research focuses on the following domains:
- Energy;
- Quality of human environment;
- Industrial innovation.
1. Energy
Energy is becoming an ever more important social, political and economic theme. Due to increasing globalisation the demand for energy has increased exponentially, which has resulted in an increase in the use and prices of fossil fuels, increased pressure on the global environment and increasing dependence of western countries on a limited number of producing countries (which often have varying degrees of democracy). There is a huge need for a shift (transition) to a sustainable energy supply (affordable, clean and reliable), where the negative effects of using fossil fuels can be reduced as much as possible via a high level of sensible energy use and responsible use of renewable energy sources.
- Energy technology unit:
Researches and develops intelligent, decentralised energy-generation systems so that they can optimally contribute to active and flexible energy structures, whereby the use of renewable and small-scale decentralised generation can be maximised (“smart grids”).
- Transition energy and environment unit:
Implements technical and economic models to investigate the possibilities available to regions, countries and business sectors for dealing with future energy and environment conditions.
2. Quality of the environment
The physical environment plays a major role in determining human health and economic development. This group develops instruments which give an insight into the relationships between humans and the environment, which in-turn allows managers in companies and governments to make better decisions. These decisions concern the optimum use of space in urbanised areas and the prevention of harmful consequences from the human environment to humans and their economic activity.
3. Industrial innovation
The economic fibre in Flanders requires refreshing technological impulses. This group develops technologies which, in a European context, are able to support large Flemish companies and SME’s in their evolution towards sustainable production processes.
- Material technology unit:
Researches the implementation of plasma technology, powder design and lasers.
- Separation and conversion technology unit:
Investigates the possibilities of (bio) process technology and membrane technology and (secondary) raw materials.
- Environment analysis and techniques unit:
Develops new measurement methods for organic and inorganic substances.
