On 15 January 2026, the FARI Institute became a hub for innovation as Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), and Sibelga gathered for the 'Energy Transition Day'.
This event marks a significant milestone in the recent strategic framework agreement between the three partners to accelerate the energy transition in the Brussels-Capital Region.
The gathering was organised by Sibelga with VUB TechTransfer and ULB KTO to identify shared areas of interest and pave the way for new joint intitiatives, thereby bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application.
As the central player in Brussels' energy infrastructure, Sibelga shared its strategic priorities while researchers from both universities presented their expertise designed to meet those needs in areas such as EV charging infrastructure, decarbonisation of heat, and advanced data analysis for network management.
VUB was prominently represented by Stanislas Chicherin, Joeri Van Mierlo, Sam Verboven, Maarten Messagie, Cédric De Cauwer, Nikolaas Van den Steen, and Jonathan Hachez, who presented their cutting-edge work. All the participants also had the opportunity to tour the FARI Institute’s AI Test & Experience Center and the Computer Augmented Virtual Environment, an inspiring way to end the Energy Transition Day.
This successful exchange has laid a solid foundation for future joint projects and innovation initiatives that will help shape a greener future for Brussels.
