The Open Thor living lab is a European innovation environment that focuses on innovative solutions for the energy transition. Co-development and co-creation between scientific, industrial and residential partners lie at the centre of this initiative. Moreover, the EnergyVille labs are located here. These can be used by (besides our experts) third parties to research sustainable energy.
In need of a large-scale living lab for innovative energy solutions
Cross-sectoral innovations are indispensable to tackle large societal challenges, such as the energy and climate crisis. Innovative research on sustainable energy should be given every opportunity to be carried out quickly and efficiently.
By applying, testing and validating new concepts in a lifelike context, we can demonstrate their effectiveness much more accurately. It also allows us to accelerate the scalability of a new solution and generate the necessary visibility to take us towards a more sustainable society.
An unmatched ecosystem with a state-of-the-art infrastructure
The Open Thor living lab is located on the former mining site in Genk and focuses on the energy transition in housing, labour and mobility.
This state-of-the-art living lab includes the Thor science and business park, the New Texas social housing estate, the adjacent Waterschei Garden suburb, and the buildings and grounds of KRC Genk.
These five sectors all create a valuable ecosystem of industry, researchers, entrepreneurs, end users, residential occupants and governments – the perfect environment to develop innovative energy solutions. Both for business parks and residential/urban environments.
A broad range of innovative technologies and applications are the backbone of the Open Thor living lab, among which are battery storage, energy strategies and markets, and thermal energy systems.
VITO/EnergyVille: the perfect partner for your research on sustainable energy
The Open Thor living lab is a unique testing environment that brings innovation to life. Moreover, you can rent a (part of a) lab here.
- The Open Thor living lab is a regulatory sandbox, which means you can carry out tests that deviate from current regulations.
- It’s a secure and realistic testing environment that allows you to thoroughly test your products and services. The ground-breaking setting also gives you a unique insight into the validation process of your service or product.
- You can rely on the support of over 400 international expert researchers.
- Services or technologies can be thoroughly tested at both the material and system level in the research labs.
Bring your innovative energy ideas to life
We’re happy to help. Contact Maarten to find out more about the opportunities the Open Thor living lab offers.
