Energyville: research into sustainable energy for the Einstein Telescope
Commissioned by the Einstein Telescope EMR project office, a consortium of EnergyVille partners from Hasselt University, KU Leuven, VITO and imec will investigate how the Einstein Telescope in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine can use sustainable energy. The associated challenges, opportunities and costs will also be identified.
“In this energy study, we are looking at how much energy the Einstein Telescope will need during the construction and operational phases, what type of electricity grid and battery storage will be required, and how all this can be done as sustainably as possible. Our findings should help to secure the Einstein Telescope for the Euregio,” says Prof. Dr. Bart Vermang (UHasselt/imec/EnergyVille), who is leading the research.
Letting residents benefit
Johan Rutten is the environmental and sustainability manager for the Einstein Telescope: “The research into a sustainable energy system not only has operational added value for the Einstein Telescope, but also avoids or limits climate and environmental effects, such as the carbon footprint and emissions that disrupt the environment. We also hope that this research will demonstrate that the residents of the region can also benefit from the sustainable energy supply for the Einstein Telescope.”
Throughout all project phases, from the start of construction, the moment the underground scientific measuring instrument is operational, to its dismantling after 50 years, the telescope will require sustainable, reliable energy supplies that do not cause any nuisance to the local community or the environment. Through the EnergyVille collaboration, project partners KU Leuven, VITO and imec, led by UHasselt, will develop a comprehensive plan to strengthen the bid book to bring the Einstein Telescope to the Euregio.
The energy study consists of four work packages, each led by one of the research partners:
Energy modellingg
In this work package, research partner VITO will map out the many different energy requirements of the Einstein Telescope in terms of electricity, heat and cooling. In addition, the researchers will also examine how this can be achieved as cost-efficiently as possible. “An integrated systemic energy modelling approach, which takes into account not only electricity requirements but also heat/cooling, storage and the financial aspect, is essential for a project such as the Einstein Telescope. By combining the strengths of the various institutions within EnergyVille, we want this research to contribute to an excellent bid book for the landing of the telescope in our region,” says Michiel Ritzen, researcher at VITO.
Energy production
In the second work package, UHasselt and imec are investigating which energy sources can be used to provide the Einstein Telescope with sufficient reliable energy. The researchers are looking at sustainable, renewable energy sources to minimise the impact on the environment and the surrounding area. ‘Our first thought is solar energy,’ says Prof. Dr. Bart Vermang (UHasselt/imec). ‘Solar cells can be installed close to the telescope and do not cause any nuisance to the surrounding area. They are modular and can be scaled up depending on energy requirements. In addition, unlike wind turbines, solar cells do not cause vibrations that could interfere with the telescope’s measurements.’
Energy transmission
Partners KU Leuven and VITO are working on this energy study to design a fully stable electricity network. To this end, they are developing an advanced network and will also create a digital twin within EnergyVille, which can be used for simulations. “The Einstein Telescope places very specific demands on the electricity grid, much more specific than those of conventional consumers. That is why we are working on an innovative grid design that combines stability, sustainability and efficiency. With the help of 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.
Energy storage
Finally, sufficient energy backup must also be provided. To this end, UHasselt and VITO are looking for the optimal way 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, the importance of continuity of energy supply and developments in the energy grid, smart energy storage is playing an increasingly important role. It is therefore logical that we are conducting thorough research into future-proof energy storage systems together with the EnergyVille partners,” says Michiel Ritzen of VITO.
Expertise Energyville
‘This project demonstrates the strength of EnergyVille: through our unique collaboration, we combine all the necessary knowledge about 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,’ says Gerrit Jan Schaeffer, CEO of EnergyVille.
