Ongoing projects
Geo-engineering
Can we mitigate or reverse global warming through technical interventions?
Biobased economy
The supply of fossil fuels is finite. Their use accounts for significant environmental impact in the form of greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy in 2030
Where will we derive our energy in future? Offshore windfarms? Residual heat from greenhouses? Mandatory solar panels on all roofs?
Completed projects
WorldWide Views on Global Warming
How can we reduce CO2 emissions? What resources and technologies will enable us to do so successfully? What sacrifices are people willing to make in order to solve the climate problem?
The integrated energy debate
In early 2006, the Rathenau Institute commissioned Ecofys, a research consultancy specializing in sustainable energy, to conduct interviews with nine influential experts in energy provision.
Nuclear energy makes a return?
The Chernobyl disaster of April 1986 brought the debate on nuclear energy to a halt. For almost two decades, that debate was put 'on hold'. Recently, however, nuclear energy has returned to the political agenda.
Energy debate review
In 2005, the Rathenau Institute commissioned Ecofys to conduct a review of the energy debate, devoting particular attention to those aspects which have not yet been subject to adequate discussion.
Sustainable water management
In 1995, the Dutch government realized that a new approach to water management was essential.