Climate change is not unique and the climate is constantly changing. At the end of the 20th century and beginning of the 21st century, the causes of climate change have been discussed across the globe in order to predict the potential consequences for the future. But what are we actually doing about it and what can you yourself do? To find out, we would like to invite you to visit the Day of Open House of ECN, NRG and GCO, which will be held on Saturday 2nd of June 2007 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. During the day, you will be provided with all kinds of information about the research ECN is carrying out to tackle this immense problem.

Where do we stand with our research, what is already possible at the moment, what will happen if we fail to do anything, and what is the overall role of ECN? The Day of Open House will answer these questions. However, we also want to show you what you can do yourself and what kind of impact this will have. That is the reason why we will open a number of our laboratories to the public as well as set up a Savings Pavilion and a Future Pavilion during the day.

In the Savings Pavilion you will find information about energy saving in the industry and at home, as well as information about our environmental research. You can also visit our research homes. You can see with your very own eyes which steps you can take within your own home or can expect in the future.

The Future Pavilion
In the Future Pavilion you will not only find information about our research into wind and solar energy, hydrogen and clean fossil fuels, but you can also meet the companies NRG and GCO. Wind energy is clean and renewable, and has always been important for the Netherlands. Wind has played a key role in our country’s history by helping us travel the oceans.

Wind energy is CO2 neutral and therefore vital for our sustainable energy future. The wind will always continue blowing. The Day of Open House will tell you all there is to know about the latest developments in wind energy. You can find out how a wind turbine works, what it looks like, see its blades and much more.

The sun is an inexhaustible source of renewable energy. In the Netherlands there is always enough daylight to generate electricity with solar cells. These convert sunlight into electricity and can be used everywhere – on private dwellings and office buildings alike, but also in calculators, lampposts or caravans.

Did you know that there are already cars, buses, bicycles and mobile phones that are powered by hydrogen? And that Poul la Cour, a Danish scientist, used hydrogen way back in 1893 for the lighting in a school? Out Day of Open House will reveal a wealth of information about hydrogen and its applications. If you missed the AutoRAI trade fair, you can also admire the HydroGEM, the first car to be powered by a Dutch fuel cell system, during this day.

The Savings Pavilion
The use of renewable energy in the built environment is an important topic. Over the past few years, considerable progress has been made with regard to energy-efficient buildings, industrial estates and residential areas.

Industry is by far the largest consumer of energy (approximately 30%). During the past decade, industry has achieved energy savings thanks to major efforts. Measures that have been taken include energy management, optimisation of existing processes, introduction of new technologies and combined heat and power generation. Despite all efforts, overall energy consumption is still increasing every year due to economic growth.

Fun lab
All kinds of fun activities will also be organised for children during the Day of Open House, such as our regular Fun lab that allows children to get to work themselves, under supervision. Other activities for children will also be organised at various locations at the site. In the Future Pavilion they will have the opportunity to build solar cells or an “against-the-wind” cart, while in the Savings Pavilion they will be able to create their own environmental rap song. A treasure hunt will be organised for children and they will receive their own climate passport on arrival.

Laboratories
Energy from biomass is generated by burning, gasifying or fermenting organic materials. This includes wood, vegetable, fruit and garden waste, but also vegetable oil, manure and (sections of) specially cultivated crops. This form of bio-energy reduces the use of fossil fuels and therefore the emission of greenhouse gasses such as CO2. Another advantage is that biomass, unlike coal and natural gas, is an infinite resource.

NRG
As the Dutch centre of expertise, the Nuclear Research and consultancy Group (NRG) develops knowledge, products and processes for the safe application of nuclear technology for energy, the environment and health care. Safety and quality are our first priority. NRG also takes care of operational management and is the license-holder of the High Flux Reactor (HFR) in Petten. During the Day of Open House, various NRG facilities will be opened to the public, including the HFR.

The HFR is an important link in the production of radio nuclides for the medical sector, which are used to treat (cancer) patients. Specific types of brain tumours are treated in the reactor. In addition, international scientific research is carried out on new, safe nuclear reactors, fusion reactors and radioactive waste recycling.

Admission tickets to visit the High Flux Reactor can be acquired beforehand via a competition. For more information, please visit www.nrg-nl.com.

Parking
Ample parking facilities are available for visitors just outside the premises. The locations are clearly signposted. Further information will be provided.