EnergyVille partners launch large-scale research into renewable energy for the Einstein Telescope
Einstein Telescope Energy Study
“In this energy study, we are looking at how much energy the Einstein Telescope will require during the construction and operational phases, what type of electricity grid and battery storage will be needed for this, and how all of this can be achieved as sustainably as possible. Our findings should help secure the award of the Einstein Telescope to the Euregio,” says Prof. Dr Bart Vermang (EnergyVille/UHasselt/imec), who is leading the research.
Local residents are benefitting
Johan Rutten is the environmental and sustainability manager at the Einstein Telescope: “Research into a sustainable energy system not only brings operational benefits for the Einstein Telescope, but also helps to mitigate climate and environmental impacts, such as the ‘carbon footprint’ and environmental disturbances like acidification and eutrophication. Furthermore, through this research, we hope to enable local residents to benefit from a sustainable energy supply.”
Throughout all project phases – from the start of construction until the underground scientific measuring instrument is operational, and also during its decommissioning after 50 years – the telescope requires sustainable, reliable energy supplies that do not cause any disruption to the local community or the environment. Through the collaboration within EnergyVille, project partners KU Leuven, VITO and imec, led by UHasselt, will draw up a comprehensive plan to this end, which will strengthen the bid book aimed at bringing the Einstein Telescope to the Euregio.
The energy study comprises four work packages, each led by one of the research partners:
1. Energy modelling
In this work package, research partner VITO will launch a study to map out the Einstein Telescope’s wide range of energy requirements in terms of electricity, heating and cooling. In addition, the researchers will also examine how this can be achieved in the most cost-effective way. “Comprehensive, systemic energy modelling – which takes into account not only electricity requirements but also heating and cooling, storage and the financial aspects – is essential for a project such as the Einstein Telescope. By pooling the strengths of the various institutions within EnergyVille, we aim to use this research to contribute to an excellent bid book to secure the telescope for our region,” says Dr Michiel Ritzen, researcher and head of the Centre of Expertise for Sustainability and Circularity Evaluation at EnergyVille & VITO.
2. Energy production
In the second work package, Hasselt University and imec are investigating which energy sources can be used to provide the Einstein Telescope with a sufficient and reliable supply of energy. The researchers are focusing on sustainable, renewable energy sources in order to minimise the impact on the environment and the surrounding area as much as possible. “First and foremost, we are considering solar energy,” says Prof. Dr Bart Vermang (Hasselt University/imec). “Solar panels can be installed close to the telescope and do not cause any disturbance to the surrounding area. They are modular and can be scaled up depending on energy requirements. Furthermore, unlike wind turbines, solar panels do not cause vibrations, which means the telescope’s measurements are not disrupted.”
3. Energy transmission
As part of this energy study, partners KU Leuven and VITO are working on designing a fully integrated electricity network with a high degree of stability. To this end, they are developing an advanced network and will also create a digital twin within EnergyVille, on which simulations can be carried out. “The Einstein Telescope places very specific demands on the electricity grid, far more specific than those of conventional consumers. That is why we are working on an innovative grid design that combines stability, sustainability and efficiency. Using a digital twin, we can simulate and optimise various scenarios to arrive at a future-proof solution,” explains Prof. Wilmar Martinez of EnergyVille/KU Leuven.
4. Energy storage
Finally, sufficient energy backup must also be provided. To this end, Hasselt University and VITO are exploring the best 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 in the energy supply, and developments in the energy grid, smart energy storage is playing an increasingly significant role. It therefore makes sense that, together with the EnergyVille partners, we are conducting a thorough investigation into ‘future-proof’ energy storage systems,” says Michiel Ritzen (EnergyVille/VITO).
EnergyVille’s Expertise
“This project demonstrates the strength of EnergyVille: through our unique collaboration, we bring together all the necessary expertise in sustainable energy solutions. We are therefore particularly proud that we can use our expertise to contribute to the realisation of a future-proof energy supply for the Einstein Telescope,” say the EnergyVille partners.
This energy study was commissioned by the Einstein Telescope EMR project office and is supported financially by the Research Foundation.
About the Einstein Telescope:
The Einstein Telescope is an observatory to be built 300 metres underground, comprising three tunnels, each ten kilometres long. Researchers will be able to detect gravitational waves in space here, enabling them to peer deeper into space than ever before, right back to the Big Bang. In 2027, European ministers will decide where the Einstein Telescope will be built. The Euregio, the border region of Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, is one of the candidates, alongside Sardinia in Italy and the German state of Saxony.