Innovative sustainable scenario for 2050 wins International NRG Battle

Rotterdam, June 10 - The second preliminary round of the International NRG Battle powered by GasTerra lead to many innovative solutions in the Innovation Centre for Sustainable Construction (ICDuBo). The theme; From Dreams to Reality was supported by the host of this round. A centre, that inspired participants by showcasing innovative experiments provided by companies that focus on sustainable constructions. Students from all over the world competed in 15 multidisciplinary teams for a spot in the finals of the International NRG Battle, which will be held during the Energy Delta Convention on the 23rd of November in Groningen.

The day started for most students with a boat ride through the port of Rotterdam, which encouraged the students to come up with sustainable solutions to the cases that were provided during this battle. GasTerra, Siemens, E.ON, A.Hak, Alliander and Groningen Seaports provided cases. In addition there was a special wild card case about sustainable transport through space that was won by Sezar Janan, Mechanical Engineer at Grontmij. The seven cases challenged the students to meet, compete and innovate during the International NRG Battle. At the end of the day every team pitched their idea in front of an expert jury of CEO's and Directors of Siemens,
Grontmij and Groningen Seaports. Five teams were selected to compete in the finals. The proclaimed day winner was a team from Siemens with the assignment to assess the technical and economic feasibility of a scenario with offshore wind, gas and e-mobility as the main electricity infrastructure for the Netherlands in 2050. Their solution was to cluster the investments and work step by step to a sustainable future. Ismaêl Drenth, participant of the winning team mentioned: "We had a great combination of students, it was a mixture of technical students and students who could sell the idea, we are very excited to compete in the finals".

Second place was for the Astro economics team by revolutionizing space transportation in a sustainable way with the CO2 reduction to ZERO! Yuliya Masleva, stated: "Traveling through space is not only possible, but also fast sustainable and fun!" Third place was for E.ON, using CO2 in offshore algae production therefore using Co2 as a resource instead of a waste. The fourth finalist was Alliander with a case where energy is reduced in households by using Energy Leaders and social media! The fifth place was for Gasterra by synergizing transition into a fully green market.

"The International NRG Battle might lead to new innovations for the future so that these ideas can be exploited" Bernard Fortuyn mentioned Vice President of the jury and CEO Sector Energy at Siemens. The Green Dream District film crew will follow the finalists towards the finals since the winner of the International NRG Battle 2011 will win a documentary on National Geographic Channel. At the end of the end all participants had the chance to drive in the electric Mini's provided by Siemens and BMW and drive on the electric scooters provided by Noveco. "It's incredible how much power these Mini's have" some students mentioned enthusiastically.

For many companies the International NRG Batle is a splendid opportunity to seek innovative ideas and discover potential talent to recruit. For the students this event is an interesting opportunity to get hands-on experience, present themselves towards companies and network. All in all, a win-win situation for a sustainable future. - JS

For more information or possible questions, please contact Jan Schulte of StudentsMedia on jan.schulte@studentsmedia.nl
or +31 (0)50 3171471 / +31 (0)3171471 / 06 24898398. When photo's are publishedplease
refer and credit Zero Fotografie as photographer.