Brazil and TU Delft strengthen collaboration for independence from fossil sources and clean aviation
Today Sergio Freitas de Almeida, Vice Minister of Science Technology and Innovation of Brazil and Rob Mudde, Vice President of Delft University of Technology, agreed to intensify their collaborations on research and innovation to make renewable energy and clean aviation more rapidly available. This builds on present programmes to mitigate climate change and supports efforts to replace fossil gas needs.
With the geopolitical tensions, energy security is more urgent than ever before. But at the same time, we need smart and sustainable solutions which fit local needs. TU Delft has a long history of intensive collaboration in this research field with Brazilian colleagues. We wish to increase our efforts and prepare for larger public-private projects with our industry partners
says Professor Rob Mudde, Vice Rector Magnificus TU Delft
“The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation recognizes the importance of the cooperation between Brazilian and Dutch institutions. Particularly with Delft University, we would like to strengthen our collaboration on the bioeconomy, including developing production chains in the Amazon region and its local communities. We also welcome cooperation in clean aviation with Brazilian companies”, says Sergio Freitas de Almeida, Vice Minister of Science Technology and Innovation of Brazil.
Climate neutral aviation is an important target of both The Netherlands and Brazil. Embraer and TU Delft join forces with other Dutch partners under the Dutch Growth Fund and at the European Level (Clean Aviation). João Pedro Taborda da Silva, Director Government Affairs Europe, Africa and Middle East of Embraer :”In addition to hosting Embraer’s regional headquarters for Europe, Africa and Middle East, The Netherlands is a core partner for us in the development of innovative and sustainable aviation technology.” One option that will be jointly studied is the use of hydrogen in aviation. This will lead to radical new designs and infrastructure, impacting many sectors. With the Dutch Growth Fund such great steps towards clean aviation can be developed in close collaboration with the many stakeholders.
The success story of Brazil to ensure energy security through bioenergy and biofuels has already provided much inspiration for the chemical and energy industry in Europe. Combining the Dutch Brazilian expertise for good agricultural practices and biobased products forms the basis for solutions for not only carbon but also nitrogen emissions while producing the highly desired renewable chemicals, proteins and fuels. John Posada, principal investigator at TU Delft and leader of the NWO/FAPESP project proposal NITROGREEN: “We are now looking at reducing fertilizer use by closing the nitrogen and carbon cycles in agriculture while producing biofuels, bioplastics and proteins. This effort of 10 Brazilian institutions and three Dutch partners would also radically reduce fossil energy needs in Europe and Brazil.” TU Delft has opened a new fund for Dual Degree PhD students working on these topics.
Not only more funds, but it also agreed to give more emphasis to public-private collaboration. TU Delft Ambassador Brazil Patricia Osseweijer: ““The last 10 years we have opened an office in Brazil, developed joint education modules and developed research projects totaling 20 M Euro of joint investments. Now we strengthen our focus on energy, water, smart infrastructure and aviation to provide impact for a better society together. We organize joint Agendas for Society meetings to ensure broad participation of industry and academia of both countries.”
More information
Prof.dr. Patricia Osseweijer, University Ambassador Brazil TU Delft
Tel: +31-651033916
Email: P.Osseweijer@tudelft.nl