The city of Rotterdam invests in Rotterdam innovations that contribute to a cleaner, smarter and more efficient energy system. A total of seven initiatives receiving a financial contribution from the Smart Energy Systems (SES) programme were announced today. The maximum subsidy per project is 100.000 euros.

This decade, Rotterdam is making the switch from using coal, natural gas and oil as primary energy sources to solar energy, wind energy and hydrogen. The energy transition will significantly change the form in which energy is supplied. “We expect these seven innovations to contribute to accelerating the energy transition,” says Sustainability Councilor Arno Bonte, “clean energy generation is essential for achieving our climate goals, but an energy system that can intelligently transport, balance and exchange energy is at least as important.”

Smart innovations
The seven selected projects are very diverse: from energy storage and electrification of port cranes to the development of mobile hydrogen generators. To successfully complete the energy transition, energy storage is indispensable. The innovative KINEXT flywheel intelligently fills this gap. With a diameter of 2,5 meters, it stores large amounts of energy efficiently and returns it at lightning speed during peak loads. With the help of the financial contribution, the flywheel will be used for the first time in the Eemhaven for the electrification of a quay crane. This results in CO2 savings of about 500 tons per year.

All in one solar energy system
Another project that has received funding is Wattlab's all-in-one solar energy system (see photo), which consists of lightweight solar panels and electronics integrated in ship hatches. Thanks to the generation of energy from solar panels, the diesel generator on board can be switched off more often. With this, about 50 tons of CO2 emissions can be reduced per ship per year. After a successful application for inland vessels, the next step is to deploy the system for seagoing vessels.


The seven selected initiatives are:

• KINEXT flywheel from S4 Energy
  This innovative flywheel with a diameter of 2,5 meters stores large amounts of (braking) energy efficiently and returns it at lightning speed during peak loads. This sustainable form of energy storage is used, for example, for grid stabilization, but in the Eemhaven for the first time to electrify a quay crane as well.
• Solar Flatrack from Wattlab
  After a successful application in inland shipping, this all-in-one solar energy system is now also being developed for seagoing vessels. Thanks to the generation of energy from solar panels, the generator can be switched off more often and the energy is generated where it is used. That means less CO2 emissions and improved air quality.
• Skoon software for clean mobile energy
  Mobile batteries and hydrogen generators with software from Skoon can be used flexibly and for various purposes, such as electric boating. This subsidy makes it possible to expand the existing Skoon software system.
• Mobile hydrogen
  Mobile generator from Rent a Battery. The mobile hydrogen generator is being developed as an alternative to diesel generators. The innovation, the 'Powertruck', responds to the need for systems that can deliver high power for a long time and that can be used flexibly. The system will be used as a zero-emission aggregate or as a mobile charging station.
• Flow battery Elestor and Vopak
  A flow battery is an innovative energy storage system based on hydrogen and bromine. Linking this to the hydrogen infrastructure in the port of Rotterdam will reduce the costs for the battery, which can further reduce the cost of electricity storage.
• Circular sludge treatment by C-Green
  C-Green has developed an innovative technology to reuse wet waste. This prevents about 90% of this waste stream from disappearing into the waste incinerator. The application of this innovation at Reym and opportunities for scaling up in Rotterdam are being prepared with the aid of the subsidy.
• Development of a smart multi-commodity energy
  Platform initiative of the consortium Enertrans, Unisun, TNO, RHIA foundation for further development and application of the Energy Platform (TNO) for coupling energy systems for heat and electricity in Schiebroek – Zestienhoven.

Energy system vision
In order to be able to adapt the energy system to the tasking of the energy transition, the city council has adopted the Rotterdam energy system vision today. In the coming years, this will give substance to making our energy systems smarter and more robust. With the Smart Energy System programme, the municipality supports innovations that match the ambitions of the Rotterdam energy system vision. This way, energy will remain available to everyone in the right form and at the right time in the future.

Continued in 2022
The Smart Energy Systems program will be continued in 2022. The subsidy scheme will once again be open to innovations that not only contribute to making the energy system cleaner, smarter and more efficient, but also provide an impulse for new industry and employment in Rotterdam. For more information and the preconditions, visit www.ondernemen010.nl/SES.

Source: https://duurzaam010.nl/nieuws/weer-ses-subsidie-zeven-rotterdamse-innovaties/ (in Dutch).

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