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.
The review revealed three aspects of particular relevance:
- Energy infrastructures
- Energy and (consumer) behaviour
- The integrated energy debate, geared towards finding solutions (such as a transition to hydrogen or biofuels) which address the objectives of energy policy (clean, available and affordable energy) in tandem.
The Rathenau Institute opted to address all three aspects within its 'Integrated energy debate' project.