Sustainable, decentralised, together
We are at the eve of a new era. The importance of sustainable resources such as wind and solar energy for our energy supply rapidly increases. Fossil fuels contribute to the climate change, are getting depleted and create a geo-political situation in which we are too dependent on other, often instable regions. None of these issues apply to sustainable energy. Over a century ago, oil and coal radically changed our society. The coming sustainable energy transition will be equally influential. Continuity of energy, a basic necessity, is a major benefit. Sustainable energy is the way to achieve this.
Consumer becomes energy producer
Over the coming years, consumers will increasingly generate sustainable energy themselves by means of, for example, solar cells, geothermal energy and heat pumps. This progress offers possibilities for a new economy, in which consumers reap the benefits of their own decentralised energy production. They can supply excess energy production back to the network and will be less vulnerable for fluctuations in energy prices. Consumers will no longer be dependent on energy companies, but cooperate with them to realise a sustainable energy supply.
Together with others, Eneco works on creating a sustainable, decentralised future
The consequences for Eneco of this sustainable, decentralised future are far-reaching. The image of energy suppliers as being owners of a few large, smoking plants is history. Where some energy companies choose to further increase their size, Eneco will go for cooperation on a local level, in close consultation with the immediate environment. The production is replaced by small, clean and local energy sources. Energy supply is no longer a one-way street, but a constant exchange between customer and energy company.
Consequently, Eneco’s role changes from a traditional energy supplier to that of energy director: we share our knowledge to stimulate the development of sustainable energy. Together with consumers, companies, housing corporations, the government and scientific institutions Eneco works on creating a sustainable, decentralised future. Eneco stimulates innovation, installs sustainable energy technology and redistributes the energy generated by the consumers. Eneco guides consumers and companies to become self-sufficient in their energy supply.
A completely sustainable energy supply in 2030
Eneco sets itself an explicit goal: a completely sustainable energy supply in 2030. Where others mostly talk about a cleaner future, we simply get to work. Eneco invests in solar energy, biomass and wind – both on land and at sea in various West European countries. We are proud of our Princess Amalia Wind Farm at sea and will realise similar projects in the future. In the projects Zeekracht and Windvogel, which Eneco carries out together with its partners, consumers become shareholders in the wind farm in exchange for sustainable energy. These are examples of the new kind of cooperation with consumers that Eneco will realise in the future. In cooperation with partners, we also develop bio-fermentation installations for agriculture and industry, such as for example L’Oréal in Libramont. At the same time we are active on a local level, together with consumers and companies, to establish self-sufficient energy supply by providing for example solar panels, solar boilers and high-efficiency combined heat and power HRe boilers.
In 2030, Eneco’s energy mix will consist of several types of sustainable electricity, heat and gas. Gas will continue to play a strategic role. Gas is the cleanest fossil fuel and is amply available. Efficiently fuelled gas plants, combined with sub-ground gas storage, provide Eneco the required flexibility for its electricity production.