Sustainable energy services as a focus

The Dutch energy policy was given a different slant with the NMP-4 and the Policy Document on Energy Saving, which was published at the same time (1999). The climate problem resulting from the production of greenhouse gases was recognised as a serious long-term problem and because greenhouse gases in general (and CO₂ in particular) are emitted through energy consumption, the energy policy was felt to be of direct relevance. A ‘sustainable energy system’ was therefore made the long-term objective of the energy policy (of key importance to ECN), where the emission of CO₂ was drastically limited.

The aim was an energy consumption ‘transition’ to arrive at greater efficiency of energy use, accelerated use of renewable energy and cleaner use of fossil fuels. From that moment on, these three objectives, collectively known as the ‘Trias Energetica’, determined the entire ECN programme, which had largely already been shaped along these lines.

In 1998, ECN and KEMA pooled their activities in the field of R&D and service into the joint subsidiary NRG. This subsidiary’s research efforts were mainly focused on the development of technology for the responsible handling and management of radioactive materials. There were also indications of strong growth in the field of nuclear medical technology.

At the same time, ECN was assigned a role in the knowledge economy through the development of applicable knowledge to the benefit of the Netherlands and its trade and industry.
ECN carried out this task by drawing on its strengths, such as the research programme, while maintaining a healthy balance between short and long-term research, in other words with components that could do well in both the short and long term. Because no research programme is without the risk of failure, the risks were spread as much as possible and synergy was established between the various components. ECN also maintained extensive ties with business and research institutes, and enjoyed an excellent position internationally. ECN proved to be a popular choice among clients because of its outstanding research infrastructure. Partly owing to this, ECN has earned a prominent position in the European field of energy research.