Considering the rising gas and energy prices, the demand for sustainable alternatives appears more urgent than ever. Industries face this challenge and households are dealing with the financial consequences. However, the developments also have a positive side: awareness of the energy transition is growing. More often, both citizens and companies switch to sustainable energy solutions such as solar panels, heat pumps, additional insulation, wind turbines and fuel cells.
Increase in demand as a result of industry recovery after the COVID-period combined with the Russian invasion of Ukraine has resulted in record breaking gas prices. A wake-up call: we can no longer ignore the issue of energy. Global gas recourses are finite, and even tough customers and companies ‘only’ pay twice the price for gas considering the price being 9 times higher compared to two years ago, it is clear that there is a need for change.
Shorter payback period
The high gas price has severe consequences for entrepreneurs despite governmental support. Compensations do not fully compensate the financial gap. This raises the question whether sustainable choices may offer a solution. Sustainable alternatives have become more attractive as a result of the higher gas prices and payback periods become shorter: a hybrid heat pump now pays itself back in 7 years instead of 10 to 15 years. In comparison, a similar reduction to 7 years for solar panel payback time resulted into massive purchases a couple of years ago.
A smooth transition
However, the increased demand for sustainable alternatives can actually result in price increases. This seems to indicate a vicious cycle of high prices. Therefore, the government needs to adapt subsidy policies structurally and for the long run to ensure a long-lasting sustained commitment, with sufficient attention for the current fossil driven system and investments for a sustainable future. This enables companies to make their own choices for their contribution to sustainability in the interest of a smooth energy transition.
Which energy choice do you face?
Are you faced with energy policies and investments in your professional life, and are you looking for broad knowledge on the possibilities of practical and sustainable implementations? In the course Duurzame energiesystemen voor professionals, you will learn more about the technical background of the energy transition in the built environment and industries in an accessible manner. Up-to-date examples of the applications of energy transformation, storage and transport will be presented as tools for your specific situation. In this edition, extra attention is drawn to energy management in uncertain times. You will visit The Green Village, field lab for sustainable innovations in the built environment, located on the campus of Delft University of Technology.
Are you interested in a specific sustainable energy solution? Take a look at our other courses such as Waterstof voor professionals, Aquathermie or Geothermie.
