The Energy Academy Europe (EAE) is an international center of excellence in energy education, research and innovation, located in Groningen, the Netherlands. It focuses on the transition to a reliable, sustainable and affordable energy future. The main themes include gas (including biogas and green gas), renewables (like wind and solar energy), smart grids, energy efficiency (including the nexus energy-water-food) and CO2 reduction. The EAE welcomes all individuals, organisations and businesses who want to contribute to our goals.
Vision
Energy is a key sector in the global as well as the Dutch economy. The Netherlands belongs to the top 8 gas producers in the world and the top 2 in Europe. Energy has been at the center of economic and knowledge-based activities in the Northern Netherlands since nearly 50 years. The region is a forerunner in Europe in the areas of natural gas, stable electricity provision and the integration of sustainable energy in the energy supply chain (e.g. the development of green gas hubs). The Energy Academy Europe will build on these strengths in the existing infrastructure of companies and universities to become an international hotspot of energy education, research and innovation. The ambition of the EAE is to contribute significantly to facilitate and accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future.
The Energy Academy Europe is unique in at least four ways:
The way it puts forth an interdisciplinary, integrated approach to energy issues. At the core of the EAE is the conviction that besides technical expertise, social, legal, geographic, and economic knowledge must play an important role, if we are to innovate successfully in the area of energy.
The way it combines different levels of education: from vocational training (in the Energy College) to higher/scientific education and post-graduate programs (in the Energy Delta Institute). The EAE will therefore contribute to enhancing the pool of skilled workers, professionals and researchers in the energy sector.
The way it embraces a demand-driven approach: active dialog and cooperation with companies and public entities to help innovate and enlarge education and research programs.
The way it provides a multi-utility testing environment (EnTranCe = Energy Transition Center) for the development, testing and demonstration of innovations, as well as facilitating start-ups that will contribute to enhancing economic activity.
See for more information www.energyacademy.org.