Energy transition: responsible choices and sustainable use

Sustainable energy transition

The sustainable energy transition is inextricably linked to water and the subsurface. Whether we build wind farms at sea, extract heat or cold from water, use reservoirs, harness geothermal energy or use the subsurface as a heat storage facility, all these applications contribute to the transition to a carbon-neutral society. The goal is to achieve a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 and to be CO2 neutral by 2050.

The various sustainable sources and geothermal energy systems are all urgently needed to reduce CO2 emissions on time and achieve climate targets. Sun, wind, water and earth offer plenty of opportunities for generating, storing and transporting sustainable electricity, heat and cooling. Deltares emphasises the importance of integrated considerations within the energy transition for responsible choices and sustainable use of our precious water and soil systems.

Acting quickly for a sustainable future

To combat global warming, we need to act quickly and thoughtfully. Within the energy transition, it is important to accurately predict how water, soil and ecosystems will behave in order to meet growing energy demand. In doing so, it is important to set conditions for careful use, in accordance with the principle of precautionary approaches.

Applicable solutions for sustainable energy and energy storage

Deltares develops knowledge and facilitates system and process innovations that accelerate and scale up the energy transition. Based on our expertise in water, subsurface and infrastructure, we assess whether systems are technically safe, economically feasible and socially acceptable. Together with strategic partners such as heating companies, network operators, water authorities, Rijkswaterstaat, subsurface stakeholders, municipalities, provinces, and other knowledge institutions, we contribute to a successful energy transition.

Our knowledge is shared through network organisations and enriched with practical experience from contractors, installers and consultants. This enables governments to make well-informed decisions about the energy transition, with an eye for spatial integration, scale levels and long-term effects.

Practical support for every phase of the energy transition

Contractors, energy companies, and engineering firms use our data and tools to optimise every phase of the energy transition: from planning and design to construction, management, and removal of energy infrastructure. We advise on environmental impacts and combining functions in the available space.

Our tools contribute to safe, reliable, sustainable, and cost-efficient solutions, both on land and at sea.

Three perspectives from which Deltares works on the energy transition:

• Sustainable heating and cooling in collective networks in the built environment
• Sustainable electricity in a robust and future-proof electricity system
• Spatial and ecological impact, with a focus on multifunctional use of space

Efficient use of underground heat and cold

The heat transition is a necessary part of the energy transition. Through applied research, Deltares works with partners to develop reliable and affordable collective heating and cooling systems.

Aquathermal energy, ATES systems, geothermal energy and other sources play a key role in this. New forms of collaboration and financing are needed to scale up these systems. Transition pathways help to explore the routes and enable upscaling.

Sustainable electricity in a future-proof system

The current electricity grid is under pressure. As part of the energy transition, Deltares is investigating how offshore wind, floating solar parks, hydropower, and hydrogen can contribute to large-scale sustainable energy generation. Our knowledge, experimental facilities, instruments and models focus on cost-efficiency, technical optimisation, predictable production, and limiting risks to people and the environment.

Deltares is working on innovative solutions for offshore wind aimed at reducing costs and risks, and optimising safe and affordable upscaling. We investigate proofs of concept for new foundation technologies (installation and decommissioning), guidelines and manuals relating to erosion, insights and knowledge about failure models and mechanisms of offshore transmission cables, floating solar energy at sea, and on inland waterways, multifunctional use and offshore demonstration projects.

Spatial pressure and ecological impact within the energy transition

The energy transition poses challenges in terms of land use, especially in densely populated urban environments. Available space is often limited and sustainable energy solutions can have an impact on vulnerable ecosystems and biodiversity. Examples include extracting heat from water, increasing cold, blocking light with solar panels or earthmoving operations.

Combining functions: smart use of energy, ecology and space

In order to successfully shape the energy transition in densely populated deltas, it is essential to combine functions within an area. Deltares is investigating how energy solutions within the energy transition affect water, soil and ecosystems. Examples include solar energy on water, aquathermal energy, offshore wind farms, and combining aquaculture with wind farms or reservoirs with floating solar panels.

It is a challenge to find synergy within the energy transition between measures for climate adaptation, biodiversity, and liveability in cities. These must be combined with minimal impact on water, soil, and ecosystems. Together, these factors will determine the contours of the Netherlands of the future.

Energy transition and climate adaptation: opportunities for integration

When constructing collective heating systems within the energy transition, it makes sense to take measures for climate adaptation at the same time. This improves the quality of the living environment. The knowledge developed by Deltares is needed for assessments and permitting in the large-scale application of sustainable energy solutions. This knowledge also helps to optimise energy systems and make them more flexible and robust.

Informed choices based on models, data and practical research

We use advanced calculation models and research facilities to make accurate predictions with minimal risks. Some of these are unique in the world due to their state-of-the-art instruments and scale.

Through the research conducted by our specialised, motivated researchers, we contribute to a CO2-neutral electricity system and built environment, affordable and clean energy, and energy from water. In the Netherlands, in the North Sea and, increasingly, in Europe and elsewhere in the world.