Partner description

VITO, is an independent research centre, where the latest technologies and practical applications meet. VITO conducts customer oriented contract research and develops innovative products and processes in the fields of energy, environment and materials, for both the public and the private sector, while protecting the environment and encouraging sustainable use of energy and raw materials. VITO Energy Technology research domain, provides energy suppliers, appliance builders, end users and governmental bodies with support in their quest for rational use of energy, optimum use of available or renewable energy sources and reducing CO2 emissions.

The department works on technological developments, conducts policy studies and also provides information about energy technologies and consists of two project groups: Decentralized Energy Systems and Vehicle Technology. The latter group plays an active part in product developments and improvements which help reduce the real energy consumption and emissions in the road traffic sector, while the former is a recognized research group providing policy advice for governments, strategic research in collaboration with universities and other research institutions and consultancy services for the industrial sector and the building sector.

VITO is also an associated development partner of the PowerMatcher Technology The research focuses on intelligent energy systems for Smart Grids. This includes all systems for supply and demand which are made suitable for a Smart Grid. VITO has expertise of these individual technologies, and, moreover, is able to combine these components in state-of-the-art Smart Grid testing facilities. VITO focuses on those companies that want to invest in green technologies to create a more sustainable future. Besides the smart grids knowledge and technology, VITO’s 600 people have expertise in policy support, sustainable energy resources, materials, transport, waste earth observation, industrial processes, air and water. It is the aim of VITO to stimulate sustainable development in the Flanders and strengthen the economic and social structure by providing innovative technology solutions and scientifically founded advices and support.

Besides the research VITO manages also two specific subsidy programs related to the field of Energy. The first program is the “Environmental and Energy Technology Innovation Platform” or MIP. This platform aims to increase and to propagate the Flemish leading position in different areas related to environment and energy technology at the international level. The MIP brings together all relevant and important players in a coordinating web where as well authorities, business, industry and research organizations are present to increase technology valorization and to stimulate development. The platform has eight Thematic User Groups of which two are specifically related to the field of energy: Renewable energy & Bio fuels and Low Energy Use Techniques. The second program is a specific subsidy program for research activities and consultancy for SME in the field of energy and environment.

The program started under the name PRODEM (Promotion and Demonstration of Environmental Technologies) and provides solid support in introducing and optimizing economically accountable and environmentally friendly technologies. PRODEM provides scientifically substantiated solutions for all problems connected with effluent water, odour nuisance, waste and soil. Recently the program is extended with research and consultancy activities in the field of Energy. For 2008 a budget of about 2 M€ is foreseen. Finally, in Flanders, VITO took initiative, together with the Catholic University of Leuven, to bring together all stakeholders to launch a consultation on 'smart grids'. As a pioneer of the smart grid research in Belgium, VITO provides an important contribution to the successful introduction of the energy networks of the future.

Role in the project

• Participation in WP2, WP6 and WP10.
• Main Roles: Dealing with thermal aspects of the built environment including heating, CHP's, thermal storage; Business potential of the developed technologies.