Official Opening of the Etch Simulation Lab

On 7 October, we will officially open the new Etch Simulation Lab, a state-of-the-art research and innovation facility dedicated to accelerating the development of tomorrow’s electricity transmission infrastructure.

As Europe advances towards a climate-neutral future, electricity networks are becoming a critical enabler of economic growth, industrial competitiveness, and energy security. Technologies such as high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission, underground cable systems, and advanced grid control solutions will play a key role in enabling the energy transition.

The Etch Simulation Lab brings together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and technology developers to address these challenges. By combining cutting-edge simulation capabilities with industry collaboration, the lab will support the development, testing, and validation of innovative transmission technologies and help bring them closer to real-world deployment.

Join us as we celebrate the opening of this new facility and explore how research, innovation and collaboration can help shape the future of Europe's transmission infrastructure.

Programme

• 14h30 – 15h00: Registration
• Host: Dirk Van Hertem - Director Etch & professor KU Leuven
• 15h00 – 15h05: Welcome, Mayor Wim Dries - City of Genk
• 15h05 – 15h50: Paneldiscussion 'Research Innovation towards future transmission'
  • Keynote speech: Prof. Koenraad Debackere - KU Leuven
  • Panel:
    • Moderator: Prof. Hakan Ergun - Etch & professor KU Leuven
    • Guy Vekemans - Flux50
    • Stig Olav Settemsdal - Siemens-Energy
    • Walter Eevers - European Innovation Council
• 15h50 – 16h05: Strategic Framing Etch, Prof. Dirk Van Hertem - Director Etch & professor KU Leuven
• 16h05 – 16h10: What are we doing in the new labs, Prof. Jef Beerten - Etch & professor KU Leuven
• 16h10 – 16h15: Johan Hanssen - WEWIS, TBD
• 16h15 – 16h30: Frederic Dunon - CEO Elia Transmission Belgium
• 16h30 – 16h45: Eric Lecomte - European Commission
• 16h45 – 16h50: Delegate Minister President Diependaele, TBD
• 16h50 – 16h55: The ETCH Laboratory Concept, Geraint Chaffey - Etch/EnergyVille/KU Leuven
• 16h55 – 17h00: Closing words, Bram De Wispelaere - General manager EnergyVille
• 17h00 – 18h00: Guided tour in the new Etch labs & Reception