Member News Summer
The official launch of Green Energy Park by VUB and UZ Brussels
The non-profit Green Energy Park was officially founded on 4 July.
As you might expect, this Green Energy Park is a large-scale testing ground for innovative and sustainable energy solutions, accessible to and in co-creation with governments, corporations, research institutions and other users.
The research at hand focusses on three areas:
- The transition to green energy and mobility
- The hospital of the future
- Digital challenges such as smart cities and technology based on AI
The research hub will be located at the Researchpark Zellik near Brussels.
A testing ground for the green transition, mobility, hospital and high tech
The first research projects around energy and mobility are already set in motion. Many companies have shown an interest in Green Energy Park’s infrastructure. Thanks to this testing ground, the VUB was able to secure almost €6 million in Flemish and European research grants and attract over 20 new researchers.
Co-creation for a better society
The testing ground caters both to scientific researchers and to companies and governments in the business of innovation. End users are invited to give their input on the matter as well, and work together on solutions to concrete social problems. This makes the nature of Green Energy Park rather unique:
“Research at Green Energy Park aims to create sustainable and innovative solutions that contribute to society, for instance by improving mobility, increasing the amount of green energy or affording better health care for all. By enabling four parties to join forces, we’ve tapped into vast experience and knowledge, making way for productive solutions”, says Jimmy Van More from Green Energy Park.
“The creation of the non-profit Green Energy Park is a milestone in VUB history. With this park, the VUB and the UZ Brussels have created a unique large-scale testing ground with international appeal”, says Eddy Van Gelder, Chair of the Board at VUB and chairman of the non-profit Green Energy Park’s General Assembly.
Construction work
This official launch has allowed for the start of construction work for the non-profit, strategically located close to the UZ Brussels, the Brussels ring road and the airport. The construction of offices, a data centre and industrial laboratories will be completed by mid-2021.
The park should be fully operational by the end of 2023.
