EIRES enables a carbon neutral energy system by developing solutions that affordably deliver the clean energy transition to people’s homes.
The transition to clean energy needs to occur to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Central to this transition is reducing carbon emissions around the globe. This poses quite a challenge, as the world must attempt to simultaneously decarbonise the energy, transport, and (petro-) chemical sectors. Efficient conversion between energy carriers is the key technology that will enable this massive, global overhaul. However, this drastic change does not require huge equipment.
The Eindhoven Institute for Renewable Energy Systems (EIRES) was established to have an impact on the energy transition. The organisation facilitates the collaborative development and swift deployment of new technologies and devices by bringing together researchers from different departments of Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) that are working on materials, systems, and processes for energy storage and conversion.
TU/e and the Brainport region have unique strengths in high-tech systems and materials. These strengths are leveraged by EIRES to develop smart, fridge-scale systems that can scale through numbers, not size.
An approach driven by societal impact
EIRES’ approach is based on societal impact: working on fundamental challenges underlying the development of energy systems with the potential for rapid upscaling and market penetration. That is why we promote academic research driven by societal challenges, with close partnerships between academia and the high-tech manufacturing industry in the region.
In addition, EIRES aims to take a strong place in the national debate, by stimulating the development of thought leadership in EIRES researchers through regular discussions and community-building activities.
Key research areas
The organisation’s research focuses on modular scalable systems that enable steep learning curves, fast technology deployment, and rapid integration in the energy system, to drive the clean energy transition. Typical examples are electrolysers, fuel cells, (redox flow) batteries, or modular systems for heat storage and transport. This also generates new business in the region, as we collaborate closely with the local high-tech start-ups, spin-outs, and manufacturing industry, as well as end-users and societal stakeholders.
EIRES focus areas
- Chemistry for sustainable energy systems;
- Engineering for sustainable energy systems;
- System integration; and
- Systems for sustainable heat.
