EnergyVille partners launch large-scale renewable energy study for Einstein Telescope
Commissioned by the Einstein Telescope EMR project office, a research consortium of EnergyVille partners Hasselt University, KU Leuven, VITO and imec will investigate how the Einstein Telescope in the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion can be supplied with sustainable energy. The challenges and opportunities here are also being identified, as well as the costs involved. The Flemish government is providing €500,000 for this study.
Energy Einstein Telescope
"In this energy study, we are looking at how much energy the Einstein Telescope will need in the construction and operational phase, what type of electricity grid and battery storage will be needed for this and how all this can be done as sustainably as possible. Our findings should help win the award of the Einstein Telescope in the Euregion," says Prof Bart Vermang (UHasselt/imec/EnergyVille), who is leading the study.
Letting residents benefit
Johan Rutten is environment and sustainability manager of the Einstein Telescope: "The research into a sustainable energy system not only has an operational added value for the Einstein Telescope, but also avoids climate and environmental effects, such as the “carbon footprint” and disturbances in the environment such as acidification and eutrophication . Furthermore, with this research, we hope to bring sustainable energy supply to the residents of the region."
During all project phases, from the start of construction to when the underground scientific measuring instrument is in operation and also when it is demolished after 50 years, the telescope needs sustainable, reliable energy supplies that do not cause disruption to the local community and the environment. From the cooperation within EnergyVille, project partners KU Leuven, VITO and imec, led by UHasselt, will develop a comprehensive plan for this that will strengthen the bid book to bring the Einstein Telescope to the Euregion.
Photo: Prof. Dr. Bart Vermang & Johan Rutten (Einstein Telescope EMR)
The energy study consists of 4 work packages, each led by one of the research partners:
1. Energy modelling
In this work package, research partner VITO will launch a study to map the many different energy needs of the Einstein Telescope in terms of electricity, heat and cooling. In addition, the researchers are also studying how this can be realised so cost-efficiently. "Integral systemic energy modelling, which takes into account not only electricity needs but also heat/cooling, storage and the financial aspect, is essential for a project like the Einstein Telescope. By combining the strengths of the various institutions within EnergyVille, we want to use this research to contribute to an excellent bid book to land the telescope in our region," says Dr Michiel Ritzen, researcher head expertise centre sustainability and circularity evaluation at VITO & EnergyVille.
2. Energy production
In the second work package, UHasselt and imec investigate which energy sources can be used to provide the Einstein Telescope with sufficient reliable energy. Here, the researchers are looking at sustainable, renewable energy sources in order to minimise the impact on the environment and the surroundings. ‘In the first place, we then think of solar energy,’ says Prof Bart Vermang (UHasselt/imec). "Solar cells can be built close to the telescope and do not cause any nuisance to the environment. They are modular, and can be scaled up depending on energy requirements. In addition, unlike wind turbines, solar cells also do not cause vibrations, so the telescope's measurements are not disturbed."
3. Energy transmission
Partners KU Leuven and VITO are working within this energy study to design a complete electricity network with high stability. For this, they are developing an advanced network and will also create a digital twin within EnergyVille, on which simulations can be done. "The Einstein Telescope places very specific requirements on the electricity grid, much more specific than for classic consumers. That is why we are working on an innovative grid design that combines stability, durability and efficiency. Using a digital twin, we can simulate and optimise different scenarios to arrive at a future-proof solution." explains Prof Wilmar Martinez of KU Leuven/EnergyVille.
4. Energy storage
Finally, sufficient back-up energy must also be provided. To this end, UHasselt and VITO are looking at the optimal way to continue to meet energy needs in the future, for example through energy storage systems. "Within this work package, we will screen and analyse all options. Given the complexity of the infrastructure, importance of continuity of energy supply, and developments in the energy grid, smart energy storage is playing an increasing role. It is therefore logical that, together with the EnergyVille partners, we are conducting a thorough investigation into “future-proof” energy storage systems," says Michiel Ritzen (VITO/EnergyVille).
EnergyVille expertise
"This project shows the strength of EnergyVille: through our unique collaboration, we bundle all the necessary knowledge around sustainable energy solutions. We are therefore particularly proud that we can contribute our expertise to realising a future-oriented energy supply for the Einstein Telescope," say the EnergyVille partners.
This energy study was commissioned by the ET EMR project office and can count on the financial support of the Scientific Research Fund.
About the Einstein Telescope:
The Einstein Telescope is an observatory that will be built 300 metres underground with three corridors, each ten kilometres long. Researchers will be able to detect gravitational waves in space here to see deeper into space than ever before, even all the way back to the Big Bang. In 2027, European ministers will decide where the Einstein Telescope will be built. The Euregio, the border area of Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, is one of the candidates alongside Sardinia in Italy and Saxony in Germany.