Interview: Bart De Caesemaeker (VLAIO) on the 2nd Feasibility Study Call

Fourteen feasibility studies were submitted in response to Flux50’s second call. They are currently being evaluated by the Flemish Government. Bart De Caesemaeker (VLAIO) coordinates this process: “The proposals we received through Flux50 combine the research, development and upscaling of innovative energy solutions. This is unique in Flanders.”

No less than 14 feasibility studies were deemed eligible for funding after Flux50’s first call. One of them aims to build a generic and reproducible business case for an ecological neighborhood with a microgrid in Mechelen. The second call, which closed on October 16th, yielded 14 proposals by a total of 33 parties. 23 of these hadn’t participated in the first call. Large companies and technology providers are well-represented, but a growing number of project developers, companies from the building sector and small but technologically innovative companies are becoming involved. Most feasibility studies fall into the innovator zones Microgrids and Multi-energy Solutions, but every innovator zone is covered.

The feasibility studies show that there’s a great ambition to get things done and make innovation happen

“The evaluation of the second call is ongoing,” says Bart De Caesemaeker of VLAIO. “Most proposals are technologically quite innovative. We do notice, however, that companies from the energy sector are not very used to applying for subsidies. There’s a steep learning curve to go through, especially since the proposals we receive through Flux50 combine the research, development and upscaling of innovative energy solutions. That’s rather unique in Flanders. Only recently, Europe has decided that subsidies for demonstration, piloting and ‘upscaling’ projects should be made available. The Flemish Government is still in the process of developing the right instruments. In a way, we are exploring this path together with Flux50’s member companies.” 

“We view it as very positive that Flux50 hasn’t waited for more precise administrative guidelines, but has taken immediate action. The feasibility studies show that there’s a great ambition to get things done and make innovation happen,” De Caesemaeker continues. “VLAIO is also pleased to notice that the cooperation between Flux50 and its four fellow spearhead clusters – for chemistry, materials, food and logistics – goes well. Energy savings are relevant in all of them, so we see great opportunities there.” What does VLAIO expect from Flux50 in 2018? Bart De Caesemaeker: “The feasibility studies prepare broad initiatives. It would be great to see some of them kick-off in the year to come.”