At Wageningen MFC, we address critical global challenges, including food security, geopolitical instability, and the impacts of climate change. Our innovative approach integrates green energy, food production, and water management into a cohesive, sustainable system that enhances resilience and efficiency.

The Energy Island concept

We have developed an integrated and decentralized system called an Energy Island, which can dynamically balance between the public grid and fluctuating renewable energy supplies. This system ensures a stable, local energy provision that supports multiple sectors while reducing reliance on external energy sources.

Sector integration

An Energy Island seamlessly integrates with various sectors, including:

• Agri-food: Production, processing, and distribution
• Water supply and management: hydrology and provision
• Mobility & logistics: (agro-) logistics, electric cars parking and charging, public transportation
• Hospitality & households: Sustainable energy solutions for residential and commercial use
• Other potential sectors: Tailored integration for specific industries

Key benefits of an Energy Island

Implementing an Energy Island provides the following direct advantages, including:

• Internalized energy supply, reducing operational costs
• Decentralized energy provision, enhancing local and regional energy stability
• Accelerated green energy transition, relieving stress on public grids
• Reliable year-round energy supply, in multiple forms (electricity, heating/cooling, and fuel gases)

Our expertise

At Wageningen MFC, we specialize in:

• Supply chain and technology integration to foster industrial symbiosis and a circular economy
• Strategic planning that incorporates green energy, agri-food systems, logistics, mobility, water management, biodiversity, and recreation/hospitality
• Development of business models and strategic plans for sustainable implementation
• Co-design of collaboration frameworks to foster cooperation among stakeholders
• Planning and execution of agri-food logistics systems for efficiency and sustainability
• Process management to ensure smooth planning and implementation

Our holistic approach uniquely connects energy, food, and water systems to create resilient, self-sustaining ecosystems that benefit both businesses and local communities. Through co-design, we integrate diverse knowledge, interests, and sectors, fostering collaboration and innovation.