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TheEnergy Research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN) is one of the largestenergy research institute in Europe and holds a strong international position. With and for the market, ECN develops knowledge and technology that enable a transition to asustainable energy system. The main office is located inPetten. ECN also has offices inAmsterdam,Eindhoven,Wieringermeer,Brussels andChina. ECN has a staff of about 550 employees.
As of April 1, 2018, the Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN) has joined forces with the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) and is now 'ECN part of TNO', Our aim is to accelerate theenergy transition in The Netherlands and beyond. From January 2020, the name 'ECN part of TNO' will be replaced by'TNO Energy Transition', announced officially on October 10, 2019.
ECN's research and technology development focuses on:
The total package of sustainable energy generation, clean use offossil fuels and reduction of total energy use are key topics. ECN also conducts research on future opportunities and economic backgrounds in the field of energy.
ECN researchers disseminate their results in publications such as reports, peer reviewed articles in scientific and professional journals, conference contributions and books and chapters in books. In 2011, ECN published 481 reports (public and confidential) and 176 articles in scientific journals.
ECN participates in international projects, advises authorities and collaborates with the industry in the Netherlands, Europe and worldwide. A number of examples:
In addition, ECN participates in theIntergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and theInternational Energy Agency.
ECN received its current name in 1976. Before that time, the centre, which was founded in 1955, was solely focused on the peaceful deployment of nuclear energy under the name of Reactor Centre Netherlands (RCN). In 1976 it became clear that the energy supply of the future should not rely on nuclear energy alone. Alternative forms of energy were called for. RCN was appointed as the institute that should conduct the largest part of this research.
TheNuclear Research and Consultancy Group (NRG) is a full subsidiary of ECN and the most important manufacturer of radio-active isotopes for medical use in Europe. NRG manages the nuclear reactors in Petten, which are owned by the European Union.Admatec Europe is partially owned by ECN.[2] Admatec Europe manufactures ceramic components via 3D printing.
The Board of directors of ECN consists of one statutory director (chairman of the board of directors) and two deputy directors. The Supervisory Board consists of six members. It is the duty of the Supervisory Board to supervise the administration of the foundation by the Board of directors as well as the general affairs. The members of the Supervisory Board are appointed by the Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation.
A former director of ECN, Wim Stam, made headlines with his private investment in four windmills. In his role as public servant, Wim Stam also advised the Dutch Government on the placement, quality and efficiency of wind mills.Wim made over one million Euros with his private investments.[3] As a result of his actions, ECN changed its regulations so conflict of interests would be prevented in the future.[4]
52°47′10″N4°40′41″E / 52.786°N 4.678°E /52.786; 4.678
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