The business trip to Groningen organized by Entreprise Europe Network M-V from 30 January to 1 February 2024 was a complete success. With a total of 7 participants, we embarked on an informative and inspiring trip during which we gained insights into leading companies in the renewable energy sector.
Our first stop took us to the Energy Academy Europe. This facility, housed in one of the most sustainable buildings in the Netherlands, is a unique platform where industry, education and science work together to drive the energy transition forward. The building itself, on the Zernike Campus in Groningen, has been awarded a BREEAM "Outstanding" rating, setting the highest standards in terms of sustainability and energy efficiency.
The tour continued to the Energy Transition Centre - EnTranCe, a competence center that promotes sustainable innovations in the energy sector through applied research and education. The facility also serves as a pilot and demonstration plant where companies can develop and test their innovative technologies.
At Duinkerkestraat 45, the municipality of Groningen impressed us with its commitment to hydrogen as an alternative energy source. There we could see hydrogen-powered cars, vans and garbage trucks in action, and the municipality is actively involved in European projects to promote this technology.
The Media Centrale, a former power station, offered us an insight into the innovative conversion of industrial buildings. The imposing turbine hall now houses a seven-storey building and around 65 companies from the media, marketing and ICT sectors, symbolizing the successful structural change in the city of Groningen.
The visit to Gasunie, a leading energy network operator, was also of great importance. Its focus on green gas and hydrogen as future energy sources underlines its ambition to make the energy supply safe, reliable and sustainable. Gasunie's headquarters in Groningen, designed in the spirit of "organic architecture", symbolizes the connection between architecture and nature.
Overall, the business trip to Groningen was an enriching experience that not only gave us insights into innovative technologies and sustainable practices, but also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in the energy sector.
