Econopolis Strategy: 2023 Wrapped

As 2023 comes to an end, it is a good time reflect on the past year. This year marked a significant milestone for our team, as we doubled in size and are now actively recruiting for our next team member. We had the privilege to work on a diverse array of fascinating subjects, significantly broadening our expertise in crucial fields such as industry, circularity, climate, the blue economy, and innovation.

 

1)        The sustainable vision of Smart Delta Resources for 2030 and 2050

Smart Delta Resources is the cluster of energy- and resource-intensive companies in the Flemish-Dutch Scheldt Delta region (encompassing Ghent, Vlissingen, Terneuzen). We explored how the cluster can evolve towards climate neutrality and circularity by 2050, calculated all the necessary flows to bring this roadmap to reality, and estimated its economic impact. For this specific ecosystem, we examined how residual streams from different activities can be of value to each other. Think, for example, of CO2 and heat from the steel sector that can be directly used in the surrounding horticultural sector.

 

2)        Flemish Airport Vision

Econopolis Strategy contributed to a vision document for our Flemish airports, where we examined the current obstacles faced by our airports, explored the economic potential of these airports, and considered how all of this fits into a Flemish ecosystem vision. This comprehensive approach involved a detailed understanding of evolving aviation trends, with a particular focus on sustainability. Key aspects of our study included calculating the potential for renewable energy generation in underutilized areas at airports, exploring how electric vehicles in airport parking lots could serve as large-scale battery storage, and examining the role of our chemical cluster in providing sustainable fuels, among other considerations.

 

3)        North-C-Neutral: an optimization tool for our North Sea

As we strive for climate neutrality, our seas and oceans are becoming increasingly vital, offshore wind or aquaculture and nature-based-solutions being key examples. With the growth of these activities, competition for marine space, which is limited, is intensifying, making it more valuable. Econopolis Strategy is currently collaborating on developing a North Sea model. This innovative tool is designed to assist developers and spatial planners in optimizing the use of our seas, balancing climate impact, environmental considerations, and cost-effectiveness. This model, a first of its kind, will enable rapid and objective decision-making. It can address various scenarios, such as whether it’s more effective to install wind turbines or floating solar panels in a specific area, or if combining these functions is beneficial. Additionally, it can explore strategies for maximizing the North Sea’s potential in CO2 reduction. This software tool will soon provide answers to these critical questions.

 

4)        CASSANDRA: integrated nature-based solutions for coastal management

The CASSANDRA consortium is dedicated to establishing a Living Lab on the Belgian coast, designed to integrate various nature-based solutions. This initiative strives to harmonize coastal protection and management. The lab will function as a research facility, primarily focusing on evaluating the effectiveness and benefits of these nature-based solutions. As part of a broader feasibility study, Econopolis Strategy is conducting a feasibility study to assess the economic and financial viability of the Living Lab. This study is taking a comprehensive approach to understand how nature-based solutions can be effectively valorized in the future.

 

5)        Einstein Telescope: valorization potential for Flanders

The Einstein Telescope (ET) is an ambitious and innovative European "Big Science" project that will provide groundbreaking research and discoveries. This ambitious project involves constructing a massive underground facility for detecting gravitational waves, positioned 200-300 meters beneath the surface. The facility will be uniquely shaped as an equilateral triangle with each side spanning 10 kilometers. It will utilize laser beams along its arms to detect minuscule changes, smaller than an atomic nucleus, using a central photodetector. A potential location for this groundbreaking infrastructure is near the tri-border area of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. The Einstein Telescope should be the world's first telescope that allows us to explore the universe up to the Big Bang, allowing us to answer some of the most profound questions in physics and cosmology. It promises insights into dark matter, the nature of the Big Bang, and the very genesis of the universe. This European project shares many parallels with the renowned CERN project in Geneva. Econopolis Strategy has been chosen to evaluate the 'return on investment' for the Flanders region. This assessment will form the basis for Flanders' investment decision, scheduled to be made in 2024.

 

Collaborations with clients and partners have been the cornerstone of our success this year, offering inspiration and mutual growth. As we step into 2024, we are excited to build on these foundations, continuing our journey of innovation and impact.