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Koen Mortelmans

I am a Belgium-based freelance journalist, mainly writing about energy, environment, construction and science.

I started writing for newspapers and magazines while still studying for my master’s degree in history, and documentation and library sciences, and for my bachelor’s degree in philosophy. In my twenties, I did some teaching and also spent some time doing historical research, mainly about the Ancien Régime period.

I have also written several books about the history of sports and leisure. I'm also an avid distance runner and cyclist. I write in Dutch and in English. I also speak French and some German.

More about me at: www.koen.mortelmans.com

By this author
Future Tech
Nano level microscopy goes into the fieldNano level microscopy goes into the field

Could your smartphone detect the coronavirus on surfaces? European researchers are developing a new generation of optical microscopes for mobile phones where LEDs and tiny detectors in the camera can analyse very small structures

 

10 Nov 2020
Energy Grid
How battery systems can integrate renewable energy in smart gridsHow battery systems can integrate renewable energy in smart grids

By 2030, 32% of the energy consumed in the EU must be generated from renewable sources, such as water, wind and sun. To achieve this, it doesn’t suffice to increase the number of wind turbines and solar cells. Extended and adapted transport and distribution grids are also necessary.

16 Jul 2018
Future Tech
Science-based civic projectsScience-based civic projects

Can policy making be improved using sophisticated mathematical models?

04 Apr 2018
Energy Grid
How supergrids can support the integration of renewable energyHow supergrids can support the integration of renewable energy

One of the main problems with the transition from fossil fuels to renewable electricity is the unreliability of the supply. However, this can be tackled by pioneering technologies for storing energy and upgrading grids

26 Feb 2018
Environment
Nano-coating to protect buildings against pollutionNano-coating to protect buildings against pollution

The organic pollution decomposing properties of titanium dioxide (TiO2) have been known for about half a century. However, practical applications have been few and hard to develop, but now a Greek paint producer claims to have found a solution

11 Sep 2017
Renewables
Small wind turbines: navigating the ‘jungle’Small wind turbines: navigating the ‘jungle’

While large scale wind turbines gather momentum, the installation of smaller ones in Europe is progressing very slowly. One of the major problems is the lack of certified machines. Turbine producers are put off by the high costs of the certification procedures

23 Feb 2017
Ecobuildings
Green buildings: is the market ready to pay more for them?Green buildings: is the market ready to pay more for them?

Certifications for sustainable construction materials and buildings are amply available. But to what extent is the market ready to invest in them?

16 May 2016
Ecobuildings
Christel Jimenez - MeeFS aims for a retrofitting solution as universal as possibleChristel Jimenez - MeeFS aims for a retrofitting solution as universal as possible

To retrofit residential buildings in Europe, there is a growing need for modular solutions that can be applied to the diversity of European climates

15 Oct 2014
Ecobuildings
Many tongues, one voice, one common ambitionMany tongues, one voice, one common ambition

How the collaborative decision making process and design matters in developing low-energy buildings

30 Jul 2014
Ecobuildings
Modular facades for tailored retrofittingModular facades for tailored retrofitting

Innovative retrofitting solutions offer flexibility for architectural freedom combined with energy efficiency

18 Jun 2014
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