Embracing energy transition developments

The first tentative steps toward making the energy transition were taken in the 1980s. From the beginning, this transition focused on three pillars:

Minimizing waste
Using fossil fuels efficiently
Committing to sustainable energy sources like solar and wind

Fossil-based energy sources are finite, as is the revenue model connected to these sources. This fact guarantees that the definitive move to sustainable energy is fast approaching. Earnings from fossil fuels are also finite. Sustainable energy (and decarbonisation) is the future. Right now, it is just a matter of bringing all of these puzzle pieces of people, businesses and technology together. That is what Ekinetix focuses on every day.

Utilising inexhaustible energy sources

Fossil-based energy long seemed like an inexhaustible source. But nothing could be further from the truth. Not only that, but burning fossil fuels also has a huge effect on air quality and climate. In contrast with fossil fuels, natural resources are infinite. The sun has been shining for billions of years, and water and wind power also are not showing any signs of stopping. As natural energy sources are becoming commercially attractive, we can confidently say that we have truly inexhaustible energy sources at our disposal.

Energy and logistics

Energy provision and logistics are closely interrelated. Energy from natural sources is often converted into electricity. The electricity which is generated can either be used directly or can be delivered to the grid. Large scale storage of that power is difficult, costly and fairly inefficient. Long-distance transportation also has its limitations. That is why it is important to be able to transform electric energy which can be used at a later point, even off the grid (for example compressed air, a chemical energy carrier or hydrogen).

Solar panels, wind turbines and hydropower stations

Solar, wind and hydropower are important energy sources which can replace fossil fuels. That fact is growing more widely accepted: even large multinational oil companies are investing in offshore wind energy, among others. It is a good sign that these affluent companies are broadening their business models and thereby underscoring the importance of sustainable energy.

LNG (liquid natural gas)

Natural gas (methane, CH₄), which is converted into LNG, is extracted in Australia, Algeria and Qatar, among others. Natural gas supplies worldwide are massive. While LNG is usually generated from fossil fuels, it still burns considerably cleaner than petroleum products. That means that emissions of particulate matter are also lower. To transport LNG, it is converted into liquid form by dramatically cooling its temperature.
LNG is extremely well suited for use as an energy source for heavy transport by road and by sea. That is why LNG will play an important role in the transition from fossil fuels to natural resources.

Methane and therefore LNG can also be generated through fermentation of organic waste, such as vegetable, fruit and garden waste (VFG) or manure. After removing the methane, these sources can also produce relatively pure CO₂. With further processing, when combined with geothermal energy, this can be used as a basis for photosynthesis in horticulture.

Hydrogen technology and fuel cells

Storing electrical energy in batteries is promising, but it also has its limitations. Using hydrogen technology for storage and balancing is becoming more attractive for an increasing amount of the sustainable electricity production process. The automotive industry and large energy corporations are already investing billions of euros into hydrogen technology (H2). Hydrogen can be used for fast fuelling, just like gasoline, and it offers a relatively long range. Together with developments in hybrid and battery-powered vehicles, broader introduction of hydrogen stations along motorways is getting closer to becoming a reality. Hydrogen can be produced from electrical energy (power) through electrolysis. By using fuel cells, energy from hydrogen can be converted into power.

Using geothermal heat

Geothermal heat is the perfect way to heat buildings. Greenhouses reliant on geothermal heat is also an increasingly common sight: in combination with the addition of CO₂, it is possible to decrease the use of fossil fuels (because less fossil fuel needs to be burnt in order to achieve the necessary amount of CO₂).