Energy, the heart of human progress

Energy is a precondition for worldwide prosperity and wellbeing. Energy is vital for living and working. That is why it is important for people worldwide to have access to energy. One in five people currently have no access to energy. The energy transition, i.e. the transition to new solutions for energy production and consumption, is underway all over the world.

One of the most important challenges in the worldwide energy transition is how we can combine new, sustainable energy solutions from production to distribution and use in one integrated system. With our expertise, we help our customers throughout the value chain from generation, storage, distribution and advice to optimise energy consumption. The following infographic shows the range of expertise that Witteveen+Bos has with respect to generation, storage and distribution of energy.

Integral approach to energy

Generation
The first shift from fossil to sustainable fuels is already visible in the current landscape. One of the main issues for sustainable energy sources such as solar and wind energy, hydropower and bioenergy is ensuring a reliable supply. The fact that certain renewable energy sources depend on the weather continues to pose a challenge. Witteveen+Bos is advising on the Zonnepark Schoorlemmer Pekela Duurzaam project. With its high (90 %) local ownership and carefully implemented participation process, no objections or comments have been submitted with respect to this project.

Storage
With fluctuating electricity production, storage is inevitable. The best solution for an energy issue depends on the demand for energy, the required flexibility, the amount of energy that is produced from renewable sources and available storage. The costs of a solution are also important. These elements determine the type of technology that is chosen. Witteveen+Bos advises its customers and explores the various energy storage options. For example, Witteveen+Bos is going to work with companies and universities of applied sciences to develop a field lab for green hydrogen production. This will include the application of green hydrogen, oxygen and heat in industry, transport and the built environment. 

Distribution
A robust network is essential to efficiently and flexibly manage the uncertainties and fluctuations of sustainable energy on a large scale. There must be coordinated investments in distribution networks such as the natural gas grid, the electricity grid and in future heat networks. Many electricity grids in Western Europe are being replaced. Decentralised generation as part of the energy transition demands different, heavier network configurations for high voltage. At the same time, the continuity of existing (and new) systems must be guaranteed. In the Grid at Sea to the north of the Wadden islands project, Witteveen+Bos has been commissioned by grid controller TenneT to produce the environmental impact report and the permit applications for an underground high-voltage connection from the North Sea to land.