Sustainability and Environment

Sustainability and Environment

27 January 2025

The need for disruptive aircraft concepts to address climate change

The EU project EXAELIA aims to accelerate the reduction of aviation emissions and its climate and environmental impacts. The project will evaluate novel flying test beds which are needed for de-risking the development of future long-range aircraft, thereby also helping the European industry to maintain its market position in aviation. The project’s official kick-off meeting was held on 22 January 2025, in Amsterdam. The consortium is coordinated by NLR.

Sustainability and Environment

17 December 2024

NLR and Zepp.solutions join forces to fly on liquid hydrogen

NLR is taking a significant step towards flying on liquid hydrogen, a promising development to make aviation more sustainable. To make this possible, the research institution has signed an agreement with zepp.solutions to develop a fuel cell system. This collaboration is a crucial pillar in NLR's ambition to conduct a demonstration flight on liquid hydrogen in 2026.

Sustainability and Environment

10 December 2024

World’s first test facility for WLTP testing of larger vehicles

Marknesse – The German-Dutch Wind Tunnels – DNW is pleased to announce the opening of its state-of-the-art Automotive Test Section. This cutting-edge facility is the first of its kind in the world, enabling the accurate measurement of rolling and air resistance of larger vehicles in compliance with the European mandatory Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).

Sustainability and Environment

29 November 2024

Drastic CO2 reduction needed for Dutch aviation

Everyone has their own opinion on the number of flights at Schiphol. However, if Dutch aviation wants to make its contribution to limiting global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees, in line with the Paris climate agreement, CO2 emissions from flights departing from Schiphol must be drastically reduced. This is evident from a study by NLR, which they conducted on behalf of Schiphol. The study shows that at least a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions is needed by 2030 compared to 2019.

Construction and Manufacturing

23 September 2024

Cold Testing has become hot

Pursuing the goals for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, liquid hydrogen as an energy source is a promising solution. One of the big challenges is the extremely low temperature, close to absolute zero, needed to cool the hydrogen. NLR has pioneered advanced cooling systems for material and structural testing, and elaborates in a white paper on its journey, eventually reaching temperatures of -253°C.

Artist impression of Mobiliteit en Infrastructuur Test Centrum (MITC)
Sustainability and Environment

05 September 2024

New step in the development of the MITC test centre

The zoning plan for the development of the MITC test centre on NLR’s Marknesse site is irrevocable. The pending appeals have been withdrawn. An important step for the internationally oriented test centre and also innovation hub where vehicles and aircraft for the future will be developed and tested.

HVC Opening zonnepark Sunspace
Sustainability and Environment

10 July 2024

Largest solar park for HVC in operation in Marknesse (NL)

On 9 July, NLR officially announced the commissioning of the Sunspace solar farm in Marknesse, developed by HVC. This allows the solar panels to supply green electricity comparable to the power consumption of 17,000 households.