On 10 June, Sibelga, the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) signed a framework agreement that marks the start of a structural collaboration in the field of research, development, education and training in the energy sector. The agreement was officially signed by Prof. Jan Danckaert (Rector of VUB), Prof. Annemie Schaus (Rector of ULB), Mr Daniele Carati (Head of the Research Department at ULB), Inne Mertens (CEO of Sibelga) and Raphaël Lefere (Secretary-General of Sibelga).
As a distribution network operator, Sibelga is responsible for supplying electricity, natural gas and street lighting to the 19 municipalities of Brussels. Every day, Sibelga's teams work to create a high-performance, future-oriented energy network that is ready for the energy transition.
Through this collaboration, the three parties aim to give new impetus to innovation and knowledge sharing in the context of Brussels' climate objectives. The framework agreement provides for a wide range of possible initiatives, including:
- Joint research and development projects on energy and sustainability;
- Education and training activities in which the partners' employees are actively involved;
- The possible creation or financing of a university chair in the energy sector;
- The joint organisation of conferences, study days and seminars.
This collaboration is part of Sibelga's ambition to be not only a reliable network operator, but also an active partner in the energy transition and a bridge between academia and practice.
‘With this agreement, we are strengthening our position as a partner of Brussels universities in shaping the energy of tomorrow,’ says Inne Mertens, CEO of Sibelga. ‘We want to stimulate technical innovation, but also build bridges between science and practice – with an eye for the concrete needs of the city and its inhabitants.’
By building bridges between business and science, the three institutions hope to contribute jointly to a sustainable and liveable future for all Brussels residents.
"The energy transition is a major challenge for Brussels and its residents. It is an issue that requires a collective response,‘ adds Annemie Schaus, rector of the ULB. ’The university is not an island. This new agreement between the ULB, the VUB and Sibelga is further proof of this. Academic and public actors are pooling their knowledge, expertise and experience to advance education, research and innovation. In this way, we can arrive at concrete solutions for the future."
‘The energy transition requires cooperation and critical thinking,’ concludes VUB rector Jan Danckaert. ‘As a university, we not only share knowledge, but we must also dare to question existing systems and thus ensure innovation. With this agreement, we are strengthening our role as an academic partner in the energy transition, in dialogue with the city, its residents and other stakeholders.’
VUB 
The Free university of Brussels is an internationally oriented university in Brussels, the heart of Europe. By delivering high-quality research and tailor-made education, the VUB aims to make an active and committed contribution to a better society. 
www.vub.be 
Vicerectoraat for innovation & Valorisation
 The mission of the Vice-Rectorate for Innovation & Valorisation at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel is to create a positive impact on society by valorising scientific research. Its work is supported by the multidisciplinary team at VUB TechTransfer. They strive to connect the university's innovative research expertise with society and industry. They do this together with partners VUB Foundation, the philanthropic fundraising team, and Crosstalks, the interdisciplinary network platform.
https://www.vub.be/nl/samen-innoveren-voor-een-betere-wereld-vub 
Sibelga  
Sibelga manages the electricity and natural gas distribution networks and municipal public lighting in Brussels.
As a public utility company, our mission is to guarantee every Brussels customer reliable and high-quality access to energy. Through our role as a social supplier, we serve the entire community, including the most vulnerable groups.
In addition, Sibelga also wants to be a partner in an accessible and affordable energy transition for everyone. To achieve this, we act as follows, using innovative solutions:
- energy network operator: we are preparing our infrastructure to meet the energy needs of tomorrow for all Brussels customers;
- facilitator of the energy market: we support the proper functioning of the market by exchanging data for all players active in the energy sector;
- partner of the Brussels authorities: we act as a partner to the authorities as a lever to give concrete shape to energy policy in the areas of energy renovation, green mobility and energy poverty.
To fulfil this mission and achieve its ambition, Sibelga works closely with regional and local public authorities, energy suppliers and many other public, private and university actors.