ROTTERDAM, 10 July 2024 – Seven entrepreneurs in Rotterdam are receiving support for their innovative energy solutions as part of the city's Smart Energy Systems programme. This initiative aims to accelerate the energy transition through grants, business development, and housing support.
Funding and support for energy innovations
The Smart Energy Systems programme, established by the municipality, assists organisations and entrepreneurs with innovative ideas to speed up the energy transition. The support includes grants of up to €100,000 per participant, assistance with follow-up financing, networking opportunities, business development, and housing facilitation. This programme also aims to stimulate business activity and employment in Rotterdam and the surrounding region.
Alderman Chantal Zeegers (Climate, Construction and Housing) stated, “The municipality of Rotterdam facilitates innovation to accelerate the energy transition. We aim to lead in sustainable entrepreneurship. With the Smart Energy Systems subsidy and support, we are helping 45 sustainable entrepreneurs. This strengthens Rotterdam's position as an innovative hub and contributes to a future-proof economy.”
Selected projects for 2024
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FLASC B.V.: FLASC B.V. is developing a battery storage system for offshore wind farms. These storage systems, located on the seabed, convert electricity into pressure, which can be delivered via the grid at optimal times. The subsidy will help FLASC B.V. explore pilot locations in Rotterdam, showcasing their commitment to integrating their business activities into the city's energy transition.
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SchipWALwalSCHIP: This project proposes an energy management strategy to optimise energy flows between ships, shore power facilities, and adjacent industries. The subsidy will be used to further develop this strategy with partners in the offshore and chemical sectors. This integrated approach aims to reduce congestion and maximise the use of sustainable energy.
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Direct Electricity Supply Project, Blijstroom to SKAR: The project aims to create a new local supply model for electricity generated from rooftop solar panels. This model ensures price stability and long-term income guarantees, making cooperative solar roofs more attractive to end users. The subsidy will help scale this direct supply principle to other locations.
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Enabling Perovskite PV (Kalpana Systems): Kalpana Systems seeks funding to commercialise their innovation: Perovskite solar cells using the 'spatial Atomic Layer Deposition' (sALD) method. This method significantly speeds up the production process, making the manufacture of flexible solar cells more cost-effective.
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Smart Energy Pumping (Snijders B.V.): The Smart Pumping System innovation aims to optimise the unloading of tankers by improving pump efficiency through an innovative control system. This system reduces energy and operational costs and can be retrofitted to older ships. The subsidy will support the development of this modular system.
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Green SOCCS (DOT B.V.): Green SOCCS innovation involves precise underground drilling for cable installation over long distances, reducing surface excavation. This method minimises the impact on natural areas and the built environment. The municipality of Rotterdam recognises the potential of this innovation and will actively support the project.
Project locations and directions
The selected projects will be implemented at various locations in Rotterdam, each contributing to the city's energy transition. FLASC B.V. will focus on offshore sites, while other projects will be based within the city and industrial areas. Specific addresses and directions will be provided as the projects progress.
