DIFFER

Research

Research at DIFFER focuses on two key energy themes:

Fusion energy

The worldwide energy transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy requires technology capable of generating large quantities of clean, sustainable and reliable energy. Fusion energy may well be one such technology. It is the energy source of our Sun. At the Sun’s core, energy is released when hydrogen nuclei fuse together at high temperatures to produce helium.

To demonstrate that nuclear fusion can operate on a stable and commercial scale, a large test reactor is currently being built in the south of France. This global project, ITER, is an international endeavour and DIFFER is the coordinating body for the Dutch contribution. In addition to ITER, several initiatives are being developed worldwide to realise nuclear fusion energy. DIFFER is collaborating with several parties on these projects.

Chemical energy

The worldwide energy transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy requires technology that enables energy to be converted and stored efficiently. In DIFFER’s chemical energy research laboratories, the energy research institute therefore focuses on the synthesis and design of new materials and processes.

Looking at DIFFER’s research, chemical energy involves converting and storing renewable energy sources in chemical forms. This is achieved through processes such as hydrogen splitting (using renewable electricity from sources such as solar or wind energy), the conversion of carbon dioxide into usable, CO₂-neutral materials, and the forming of ammonia.