University of Groningen Hosts MIT Delegation for ‘Hydrogen Technology and Innovation Trip’

From June 10 to 12, 2024, the University of Groningen had the distinct pleasure of hosting a group of seven students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), accompanied by Antje Danielson, Director of Education at the MIT Energy Initiative and Em Schule, Research and Programming Assistant.

The visit, titled ’Hydrogen Technology and Innovation Trip’, aimed to foster collaboration between our institutions and explore advancements in sustainable energy technologies. This collaboration was developed following the MIT-UG workshop in September ‘23, which focused on energy transition and healthy aging, and established the foundation for ongoing joint efforts.

RWE

The programme commenced with a visit to the energy company RWE in Eemshaven, where the delegation gained insights into large-scale energy production and the pivotal role hydrogen plays in the energy transition. This visit underscored the practical applications of hydrogen technology in real-world energy solutions.

EnTranCE

An engaging activity, the ‘We Energy Game’, followed. This interactive game provided the participants with a hands-on understanding of the complexities and challenges involved in the energy transition, fostering critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving skills.

The group then toured EnTranCE, the Groningen Centre of Expertise Energy. This innovative workspace is dedicated to testing and developing new sustainable energy technologies. Here, the MIT students witnessed firsthand the cutting-edge research and experiments being conducted to drive forward the global energy transition.

A highlight of the trip was the 'Energy Game of MIT', an educational tool designed to simulate energy policy and technology scenarios, allowing participants to explore the impacts of different energy strategies. Seven students from the University of Groningen joined this game.

Grunneger Power

The visit included a practical session titled 'Energy Transition in the Neighborhood', where members of the project Grunneger Power shared their experiences and insights on implementing sustainable energy solutions at the local level, providing a grassroots perspective on the energy transition.

Gasunie

A visit to Gasunie offered an in-depth look at the Dutch natural gas infrastructure and transportation network, highlighting the integration of hydrogen into existing energy systems.

The trip concluded with a fruitful conversation with Groningen startups, namely HydrogenProspects and HyGrid, showcasing the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and innovative approaches to energy challenges in Groningen.

Startups and energy projects at UG

During the visit, Professor Evrim Ursavas presented the various energy-related projects that the University of Groningen is involved in. This presentation highlighted the university's commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions and provided the MIT delegation with a comprehensive overview of ongoing research and initiatives in the field.

This visit marked a significant step in strengthening the relationship between the University of Groningen and MIT. We look forward to future collaborations, leveraging our combined expertise to drive advancements in hydrogen technology and sustainable energy solutions.