Vlerick Expertise in Energy

The European Green Deal aims to make Europe climate-neutral by 2050. Quite understandably, the gas sector is concerned about its future, as natural gas is a carbon-based energy source, which contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. In this white paper, the Vlerick Energy Centre, together with Chair Partner Fluxys, takes a closer look at some of the future challenges. How can the existing natural gas infrastructure be repurposed for the transport of decarbonised gases? How can we harness the full potential and opportunities of renewable gases? And what context is needed to decarbonise the gas sector so that it can play a role in the future integrated energy system?

The title of Professor Leonardo Meeus’ new book speaks for itself. ‘The Evolution of Electricity Markets in Europe’ describes the evolution of the electricity market since liberalisation began in the late 1990s. What have the most significant challenges been? What solutions were found and how have these solutions led to new problems that needed new solutions of their own?

Can the power grid meet any increased electricity demand from electric vehicles? Whether or not there is or will be an issue depends on the uptake of plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles. Although demand for electric vehicles is growing, mainstream adoption is still far from being achieved. Nevertheless, DSOs and regulators are already seriously considering the challenges ahead. In this white paper, you will find a round-up of findings and insights from a workshop within our DSO Chair.

In this 'What is' video, Professor David Veredas explains what the New Green Deal means

Energy concerns all of us. Being intertwined with the debate on decarbonisation and climate change, energy is a potentially hot topic. This report marks the fifth anniversary of the Vlerick Energy Centre – a good opportunity to look back at some of our achievements and lessons learned, and to look ahead.

Doctoral researcher Martin Roach developed an economic model for power-to-gas (PTG) that anticipates the EU and Belgian regulation of sector coupling. “Being one of the first to take into account market dynamics, it provides timely and valuable input to the debate”, says a proud professor Leonardo Meeus.

The electricity landscape is in a state of flux, not least due to the increasing integration of renewable energy sources and distributed generation. This has sparked growing interest in energy storage, arguably an important part of the renewable energy mix. How can energy storage be used and integrated into existing power systems, in both residential and industrial environments? This is the key question the STORY project aims to address. This white paper presents the findings and insights from studies conducted under the umbrella of the STORY project, as well as from various experts.

A considerable number of case studies on financial planning have been developed, but it is more difficult to find ones that deal with financial planning in a regulated environment. For the Future Grid Managers Programme, Professor Filip Roodhooft, along with colleagues from the Energy Centre, straight away developed two that play out in the regulated energy sector. In the leading roles are the Belgian distribution system operator (DSO) Eandis, now Fluvius, and the French transmission system operator (TSO) Réseau de Transport d’Électricité (RTE).

The energy transition is changing the energy ecosystem. In recent years, power generation and distribution have become more decentralised. DSOs now find themselves at the centre of change, operating the grid which all these new players – producers and prosumers – want to connect to and use. In 2018 the DSO Chair organised two workshops to discuss topical issues facing the future of DSOs: (1) energy communities and (2) regulatory sandboxes. This white paper provides a round-up of the findings and insights from each workshop as well as suggesting areas for further exploration.

Since the start of deregulation at the end of the nineties, the electricity market has undergone dramatic changes. It is often tricky for newcomers to understand why things are the way they are or to appreciate the route that led here. To get a historical perspective and tips for the future, read Electricity Network Regulation in the EU – The Challenges Ahead for Transmission and Distribution by Professor Leonardo Meeus, director of the Vlerick Energy Centre, and Jean-Michel Glachant, director of the Florence School of Regulation and holder of the Loyola de Palacio Chair on energy policy in the EU.