Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (Qeeri), a Hamad Bin Khalifa University research institute and Vito, a leading European independent research and technology organisation from Belgium, have signed an agreement to develop demonstration projects of smart energy and water systems. Vito has an office in Qatar since 2016 - Vito Middle East LLC. The agreement is in line with the mission and vision of Qeeri and Vito to assist Qatar in tackling its energy and water security grand challenges in an efficient and sustainable manner.
The agreement was signed by Dr Marc Vermeersch, executive director, Qeeri and Dr Bruno Reyntjens, commercial director of Vito, in the presence of Dr Bart de Groof, ambassador of Belgium, and Dr Richard O’Kennedy, vice president, Research, Development and Innovation, Qatar Foundation in a special ceremony held at the HBKU Research Complex.
This collaboration will enable the two entities to bring together the expertise, and know-how of its scientists at their world-class facilities to develop new water and energy solutions for Qatar and the region. Combined efforts will be taken to improve and enhance several projects including brine management, CO2 capture and Use technology, rural microgrids, and effluent polishing.
Dr Vermeersch said, “Vito is a prominent research organisation in cleantech and I believe partnership will catalyse Qeeri’s ability to move forward in our mission of helping Qatar tackle its energy and water security grand challenges. We are looking forward to working closely with the skilled scientists, engineers and researchers from Vito.”
Dr Reyntjens added, “Vito is more than a research centre, our aim is to create impact by implementing sizable demonstration projects and to accelerate the transition to a sustainable society. The partnership with Qeeri aims at introducing breakthrough technologies in the Qatar and Middle East market.”
“The umbrella agreement is a milestone for Qeeri and Vito, two research institutes with a common vision. It will strengthen the ties between Qatar and Belgium in essential areas such as energy efficiency or water treatment,” Dr Bart de Groof, added.
Qeeri and Vito officials at the signing of the agreement with Dr Bart de Groof, ambassador of Belgium (left)
