From Monday, November 4, to Friday, November 8, the annual We Explore Together Week (WET Week) will take place at HZ University of Applied Sciences and the Joint Research Center Zeeland (JRCZ) at Het Groene Woud in Middelburg.
During the week, over 300 students from HZ University of Applied Sciences, Scalda, and University College Roosevelt will work to find solutions to social issues. The event is organized by HZ. The students come from various (technical) programs at these institutions, and it’s a diverse mix of national and international students. Working in teams, they will address social issues related to energy, food, and water, with the challenges provided by regional entrepreneurs, organizations, governments, and research groups.
Reusing Wind Turbine Blades
A few examples of the challenges include: The new Restore Festival in Middelburg wants to know how it can use water sustainably and responsibly during the event and how, as a music festival, it can reduce light and noise pollution, as well as environmental impact. VoltH2 in Terneuzen has asked if and how rainwater can be used for hydrogen production. Fieldlab Zephyros wants to know if wind turbine blades can be reused, and Concert at SEA asks if seawater can be used to flush toilets at the festival. All projects are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Closing Event
The students will present their solutions to their clients and other stakeholders on Friday, November 8, at a major closing event in Cinecity cinema in Vlissingen, made possible by the Delta Climate Center (DCC). The DCC is a new climate center for delta-related issues, founded by HZ, Scalda, University College Roosevelt, Wageningen University & Research, Utrecht University, and the NIOZ.
Each cinema hall will have its own theme, in line with DCC's themes: energy, food, and water. After the pitches and an overview from a DCC expert, students will engage with their clients in the complex's hallways and foyer. The closing event runs from 1:15 PM to 4:30 PM. Interested parties and stakeholders are welcome to attend and can register via this form.