On our second day at Twente we kicked the morning off by attending a lecture on Wind turbines. Wind energy has always been a major component of the renewable energy transition in the Netherlands. We learned about the various types of wind turbines and how factors such as axis placement, blade construction, and capacity play a role in energy efficiency. It was interesting to get a look into the calculations that go into constructing and optimizing a wind turbine.
We then went on a guided sustainability walk where we learned about the many sustainability initiatives and strategies that U of Twente implements throughout campus. A common theme was water recycling and water retainment. For example, several car parks had pavement tiles designed to allow water to permeate through and be stored in the ground. We also learned how the university promotes its campus biodiversity through construction that prioritizes the protection of its natural flora and fauna.
We then went on a visit to Windpark Groen, a wind farm in the countryside. It was a scenic view while also very shocking to see how much bigger the turbines are in person than from a distance. We learned the complex economic nuances of energy production, namely with the process of curtailing. This occurs when production exceeds grid storage so energy companies have to decrease production in order to prevent losing money.
We finished the day with a visit to the historic town of Elburg. We got a walking tour that highlighted its rich background, with an emphasis on how the town commemorates its past citizens that lost their lives to the holocaust. It was heartbreaking and touching to hear our tour guide recount the individual stories of Jewish members of the community.
