Sustainability and Environment

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 The pending appeals have been withdrawn.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.

Clean Aviation - CONCERTO
Platform Technology

27 June 2024

R&D case: Novel certification methods for disruptive technologies (CONCERTO)

CONCERTO is aiming to develop a comprehensive set of regulations for aircraft certification, together with a preliminary description of the Methods of Compliance (MoCs) that will apply to the three main thrusts of clean aviation: Hybrid-electric regional aircraft, Ultra-efficient short and short-medium range aircraft disruptive technologies for enabling hydrogen-powered aircraft. Furthermore, it aims to assess the feasibility of a digital certification framework that will help collaboration and model-based certification.

Sustainability and Environment

13 June 2024

The NORAH2 project helps predict noise nuisance of rotorcraft

Just like other large moving transport vehicles, helicopters and drones produce noise. To reduce nuisance for people in surrounding areas NLR actively researches reducing noise at the source, for example by designing silent propellers. Equally important, is the capability to predict noise of rotorcraft to regulate and ensure people do not experience excessive hindrance due to operations. When it comes to fixed wing planes, trains or cars, established tools are readily available to predict noise levels. For rotorcraft, however, tools are lagging behind. The NORAH project fills this gap for (local) authorities to perform noise impact assessments.

Blu sky Airplane and clouds

04 June 2024

What about CO2 emissions and flight distance?

Over a fortnight ago, PVV, VVD, NSC and BBB presented their Outline Agreement. The Budget Annex shows that the parties want to differentiate the current air passenger tax by distance, with the ticket tax on longer flights becoming higher than that on shorter flights. The agreement does not explicitly specify what the incoming cabinet considers a ‘short’ or a ‘long-haul’ flight.