On Friday, October 18, 2024, Minister Sophie Hermans (Climate and Green Growth) visited the NWO Institute DIFFER in Eindhoven. The minister's working visit to the province of North Brabant focused on the energy transition, highlighting several state-of-the-art research projects.
The Province of North Brabant initiated the visit to DIFFER. Focusing on hydrogen and nuclear energy, the opportunities for the province, especially in the high-tech manufacturing industry, were explored. The minister engaged in discussions with DIFFER experts, who are making significant strides in energy research. It became clear that there is no single solution for the energy transition, but rather that we must work towards an energy mix.
Innovation Coalition
After a warm welcome, which included a traditional Brabant sausage roll, Provincial Executive Martijn van Gruijthuijsen from North Brabant kicked off with an introduction about the Innovation Coalition for Nuclear Energy for the Future. In 2021, the province launched this coalition to leverage the strength of Brabant’s manufacturing industry and research institutes to accelerate the development of molten salt reactors (MSRs). Thorizon and DEMCON briefed the minister on the development and implementation of this type of reactor, which can operate safely and cleanly using nuclear waste and thorium as fuel.
At the Forefront
Scientist Beata Tyburska-Pueschel demonstrated how research on suitable materials for this technology is being conducted at the DICE research facility. She explained that molten salt reactors complement other renewable energy sources, provide reliable energy, and produce minimal waste.
Tyburska-Pueschel: “The DICE facility at DIFFER enables us in the Netherlands to make groundbreaking strides and places us at the forefront of material development for molten salt reactors. This unique European facility is crucial for the safety and success of a new generation of nuclear technologies. The success of DICE offers the Netherlands a leading role in nuclear innovation.”
Reducing CO2 Emissions
Scientist Mihalis Tsampas showed the minister how hydrogen can serve as an alternative to fossil fuels. Together with Toyota, Tsampas is developing a unique reactor that uses sunlight to capture CO2 from the air and efficiently store it. This innovation could significantly contribute to reducing CO2 emissions.
Energy Mix
Marco de Baar, Director of DIFFER, explained that the energy transition is both a system and materials transition: “Our aim is to connect excellent scientific research with a systems perspective. At DIFFER, we are doing this with chemical energy and nuclear fusion. With the DICE facility and research into molten salt reactors, we have expanded our scope over the past year to include nuclear fission, broadening the mix. DIFFER will conduct research on materials for MSRs, dynamic modeling, and real-time optimization of the fuel cycle for such reactors. DIFFER is truly on the map when it comes to research into our future energy supply. For me, it is clear that we must strive for an energy mix.”
Pictures: Ministry of Climate and Green Growth
Author: Rianne van Hoek
The Province of Noord-Brabant made an aftermovie of the minister's working visit.
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