On 7 October, we will officially open the new Etch Simulation Lab, a state-of-the-art research and innovation facility dedicated to accelerating the development of tomorrow’s electricity transmission infrastructure.
As Europe advances towards a climate-neutral future, electricity networks are becoming a critical enabler of economic growth, industrial competitiveness, and energy security. Technologies such as high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission, underground cable systems, and advanced grid control solutions will play a key role in enabling the energy transition.
The Etch Simulation Lab brings together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and technology developers to address these challenges. By combining cutting-edge simulation capabilities with industry collaboration, the lab will support the development, testing, and validation of innovative transmission technologies and help bring them closer to real-world deployment.
Join us as we celebrate the opening of this new facility and explore how research, innovation and collaboration can help shape the future of Europe's transmission infrastructure.
Programme
- 14h30 – 15h00: Registration
- Host: Dirk Van Hertem - Director Etch & professor KU Leuven
- 15h00 – 15h05: Welcome, Mayor Wim Dries - City of Genk
- 15h05 – 15h50: Paneldiscussion 'Research Innovation towards future transmission'
- Keynote speech: Prof. Koenraad Debackere - KU Leuven
- Panel:
- Moderator: Prof. Hakan Ergun - Etch & professor KU Leuven
- Guy Vekemans - Flux50
- Stig Olav Settemsdal - Siemens-Energy
- Walter Eevers - European Innovation Council
- Jurgen Hafner - Hitachi Energy, TBD
- 15h50 – 16h05: Strategic Framing Etch, Prof. Dirk Van Hertem - Director Etch & professor KU Leuven
- 16h05 – 16h10: What are we doing in the new labs, Prof. Jef Beerten - Etch & professor KU Leuven
- 16h10 – 16h15: Johan Hanssen - WEWIS, TBD
- 16h15 – 16h30: Frederic Dunon - CEO Elia Transmission Belgium
- 16h30 – 16h45: Eric Lecomte - European Commission
- 16h45 – 16h50: Delegate Minister President Diependaele, TBD
- 16h50 – 16h55: The ETCH Laboratory Concept, Geraint Chaffey - Etch/EnergyVille/KU Leuven
- 16h55 – 17h00: Closing words, Bram De Wispelaere - General manager EnergyVille
- 16h55 – 18h00: Guided tour in the new Etch labs & Reception
Related events:
We organize a series of events centered around the official opening of the new Etch Simulation Lab:
- 6 October: Third Annual Belgian Energy Transition Workshop (09.00-18.00h)
- 7 October: Industry Day (09.00-15.00h)
- 7 October: Official Opening Simulation Lab (14.30-18.00h)
When registering, you can indicate which events you wish to join.
Practical details
Date: Wednesday 7 October 2026, 14.30-18.00h
Location: Thor Central & EnergyVille 2, Genk