Splitting the bill: Netherlands and Germany to share climate goals

When Rudiba Laiba, a senior at MIT, observed that Dutch stores were shunning plastic bags in a bid to protect the environment, she was surprised that such practices were not prevalent in Bangladesh.

Laiba was one of eight MIT students who journeyed to the Netherlands in June as part of a trip sponsored by the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI) to witness firsthand the country’s energy transition efforts. The Netherlands has set a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, positioning it among the top 10 nations at the forefront of combating climate change, as reported by U.S. News and World Report.

The week-long trip, funded by MITEI, aimed to provide undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to collectively explore clean energy initiatives alongside researchers, business leaders, and non-governmental organizations. During the trip, the students were briefed on various projects, including the development of hydrogen pipelines in the North Sea and making a fuel-intensive, asphalt-heavy neighborhood more resilient to climate change.

Felipe Abreu, a second-year student from Kissimmee, Florida, majoring in materials science and engineering, is focusing this summer on innovative methods to recycle metal scraps generated from industrial processes. Abreu expressed his eagerness to discover advanced renewable energy strategies during the Netherlands trip announced by MITEI.

Laiba pointed out the contrasting levels of commitment between her home country, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands in addressing climate change. Despite both nations facing heightened risks from rising sea levels due to geographical and population reasons, the widespread engagement with climate action seen in the Netherlands lags behind in Bangladesh.

Having lived in both New York City and Bangladesh, Laiba emphasized the direct impact of climate change on her life, stating, “I couldn’t ignore the consequences because it was visible to me.”

Key participants

MIT students engaged in practical exercises to shift from conventional energy sources to zero-carbon technologies. Antje Danielson, the education director at MITEI, shared insights on repurposing natural gas infrastructure for hydrogen, challenging the students to confront authentic decision-making scenarios.

The students visited the northern region of the Netherlands also known as the “hydrogen valley” of Europe. They learned about the region’s transition to a hydrogen-focused economy and its innovative climate models at the University of Groningen and Hanze University School of Applied Sciences in Groningen.

Erick Liang, a junior from Boston pursuing majors in nuclear science, engineering, and physics, was captivated by a large wind farm in Eemshaven, emphasizing the engineering feats involved in manufacturing the turbines. RWE, a German energy company, showcased their initiative to generate electricity from biomass in Eemshaven, reducing reliance on coal.

Laiba, who is double majoring in molecular biology and electrical engineering with a minor in business management, expressed interest in biofuels after attending a presentation during the trip. The discussion prompted her curiosity about the scalability of biomass as a fuel source despite its inherent challenges.

In Paddepoel, students explored neighborhoods transitioning to self-sustaining energy models from fossil fuel dependence. Danielson elaborated on the physical, social, and political implications of installing district heating systems in these communities.

Promoting sustainability

Green hydrogen emerged as a crucial element in the energy transition, with Dutch authorities committing to new infrastructure and business frameworks to advance hydrogen utilization. Students discerned the distinctions between green and fossil fuel-derived hydrogen and studied how Dutch firms handled siting hydrogen production facilities.

Gasunie, an energy network operator, shared the technical intricacies of converting natural gas pipelines for hydrogen use in the North Sea. Students were tasked with integrating hydrogen production with offshore wind energy during a challenging problem-solving exercise.

During a visit to Rotterdam, students were introduced to Battolyser Systems, a startup collaborating with Delft University of Technology on an electrolysis device that serves dual roles of hydrogen production and energy storage. The transition of such technologies from research stages to practical applications intrigued the students.

Laiba commended the substantial investment in innovative ventures and startups, recognizing their pivotal role in driving societal acceptance and adoption of environmentally friendly products.

Abreu highlighted the engagement of young individuals in advancing green hydrogen technologies, citing his encounter with peers at Battolyser Systems as a testament to the youth’s active involvement in sustainable solutions.

The students visited the carbon-neutral floating offices of the Global Center on Adaptation, learning about the organization’s efforts in supporting climate adaptation initiatives worldwide. They also witnessed innovations in reducing the environmental impact of installing wind turbines, presented by Van Oord, an international marine contractor.

Exploring the challenges faced by the Port of Rotterdam in transitioning to sustainable practices, students engaged with industry experts to develop strategies for adopting zero-carbon systems on private barges navigating the region’s waterways.

Charting a sustainable course

Reflecting on their experiences, Liang, Abreu, and Laiba praised the Netherlands’ unified approach to addressing climate change. Liang, a member of the MIT Solar Electric Vehicle Team, emphasized the country’s collective commitment to combating climate change, unlike the varying opinions prevalent in the U.S.

Liang’s summer research, sponsored by MITEI, focuses on accelerating fusion technology at the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center. He envisions fusion energy as a promising solution for achieving carbon neutrality within the next few years.

Laiba’s sustainability research at MIT involves quantifying and reducing the institution’s Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions associated with purchased goods. Her dedication to fostering a sustainable future through renewable energy remains unwavering.

During the trip, Laiba highlighted the pervasive use of renewable energy sources powering various aspects of Dutch society, contrasting it with prevailing practices in the U.S. Abreu echoed the sentiment, expressing admiration for the Dutch population’s collective push towards sustainability.