Developing an innovation roadmap for small-scale wind energy, commissioned by TKI Urban Energy.
The Netherlands aims for net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. This means we need to replace fossil fuels with sustainable energy sources, such as wind energy. Until now, we’ve primarily done this with large wind turbines on land and at sea. However, small wind turbines can also play a significant role in the sustainable energy mixture. Entrance is researching the potential of small-scale wind for various application areas, current barriers, and necessary innovations for the upcoming years.
Small(er) wind turbines have pros and cons
In the Netherlands, we already generate wind energy on a large scale on land and at sea. This is currently done with big wind turbines that have a high-power output. However, wind energy can also be generated with smaller wind turbines. These have less impact on the surrounding landscape and the environment. There are, however, still some drawbacks. For example, the cost per unit of energy generated is significantly higher than with large-scale wind, and less energy can be produced per square meter.
Roadmap: What are the possibilities for small-scale wind?
Because TKI Urban Energy observes a continuing interest and innovation in the field of small-scale wind energy, Entrance has been asked to draw up an innovation roadmap. This innovation roadmap needs to provide insight into the current market, technological possibilities, relevant application areas, and the expected growth of small-scale wind energy at companies and business parks. It includes the following components:
Multidisciplinary approach
The wind energy and energy transition (system integration research) professorships at Entrance are collaborating to answer these questions, and this way, bringing the broader application of small-scale wind energy a step closer.
Duration: October 2024 – February 2025
Total budget of the project: €33.000.
Themes:
System integration
Local and regional energy strategies
Involved professorships:
Wind energy
Energy transition
The future of the transition to sustainable energy.
Which policy instruments can European cities utilize to promote the implementation of Positive Energy Districts?
How can the Dutch energy market be organized, in order that it joins the changing energy system? This is a central question at the project MODES (Market Organization of the Dutch Energy System).
