Updates

A tech city is not necessarily a smart city, but the large number of tech start-ups create favourable conditions for smartification

Amsterdam has a thriving sharing start up scene, which could provide many benefits for the Amsterdam residents. The city of Amsterdam wants to make sure that the sharing economy is accessible for all Amsterdam residents. Learn more in this video.

Frankwatching, the most popular marketing & tech blog in the Netherlands wrote an article about our online community, our methods and strategy. One of the key startingpoints: experimentation! (in Dutch)

Refugees who have received the right of permanent residence in the Netherlands
are called 'statushouders' (literally 'status holders'). Amsterdam City Council aims
to offer these status holders the opportunity to settle in the city as quickly as
possible, either through supporting them in finding a job, going into education or
starting a business. If this is not feasible at first, they will initially receive care and
support towards social participation.

Vanaf deze week kunnen consumenten ook in een deel van Amsterdam oude elektrische en elektronische apparaten meegeven aan de pakketbezorger van PostNL. Dit initiatief heet Weeelectric en is gestart door producentenorganisatie Weee Nederland, in samenwerking met PostNL en Thuiswinkel.org. In Amsterdam is ook de gemeente Amsterdam, Amsterdam Smart City en AEB Amsterdam betrokken. Met Amsterdam breidt Weeelectric verder uit over Nederland. Eerder konden consumenten in delen van Groningen en Dordrecht al kleine elektrische apparaten, zoals elektrische tandenborstels en koffiezetapparaten, afgeven. Met het initiatief kunnen er meer elektrische apparaten worden gerecycled.

Jaarlijks verdwijnen honderdduizenden elektrische en elektronische apparaten bij het afval. Met Weeelectric neemt de pakketbezorger van PostNL bij het overhandigen van een pakket meteen oude kleine elektrische apparaten mee. De apparaten hoeven niet verpakt te worden, maar moeten wel makkelijk, schoon en veilig mee te nemen zijn door de pakketbezorger. De proef loopt tot eind 2017 in delen van Groningen, Dordrecht en nu dus Amsterdam. De initiatiefnemers van deze pilot gaan ervan uit dat in 2018 in heel Nederland oude elektrische apparaten via de pakketbezorger ingeleverd kunnen worden.

Albert van Winden, programmamanager Afvalketen van de gemeente Amsterdam: “We willen het makkelijker maken voor Amsterdammers om van kleine apparaten af te komen. Deze pilot sluit daarom perfect aan bij ons doel om steeds meer producten en grondstoffen in te zamelen. Zo kunnen er weer nieuwe producten gemaakt worden.” Mede-initiatiefnemers Thuiswinkel.org en PostNL zijn blij dat Weeelectric verder wordt uitgebreid. “Dit toont aan dat het eerste deel van de pilot succesvol is en ik ben blij dat we nu ook in Amsterdam de bestaande contactmomenten tussen pakketbezorgers en consumenten beter kunnen benutten”, aldus Margreeth Pape, beleidsadviseur logistiek en duurzaamheid bij Thuiswinkel.org. “Door de sterke groei van de online retailmarkt worden er al regelmatig pakketten bezorgd bij de consumenten thuis. Door afgedankte elektrische producten mee terug te geven, kunnen deze op een eenvoudige en goede manier worden gerecycled. Daarmee zetten we als online-retailsector een eerste stap richting een circulaire economie en we onze verantwoordelijkheid.” Gerrit Mastenbroek, directeur Pakketten & Logistiek PostNL: “PostNL heeft het meest fijnmazige distributienetwerk van Nederland. Voor het inzamelen hoeven geen extra kilometers gereden te worden en dus recyclen we op een effectieve manier. We staan dicht bij onze klanten en maken het hen zo makkelijk mogelijk."

Dankzij Weeelectric wordt het recyclen van kleine elektrische en elektronische apparaten makkelijker gemaakt. Heel veel elektrische apparaten worden nu nog met het afval weggegooid, belanden op zolder of in de kast. Vaak kunnen apparaten nog worden hergebruikt of kunnen de grondstoffen die erin zitten opnieuw worden verwerkt. Weeelectric zorgt ervoor dat de ingezamelde elektrische apparaten worden gesorteerd. Dit wordt gedaan door mensen die het moeilijk hebben op de arbeidsmarkt. En dat is goed voor de werkgelegenheid. Daarnaast krijgen sommige apparaten een tweede leven. Daarmee worden mensen met een kleine portemonnee blij gemaakt.

Op maandag 22 mei besteedde de NOS, radio 1 aandacht aan Weeelectric. Het item is hier te horen: http://nos.nl/artikel/2174357-veel-afgedankte-apparaten-mee-met-postnl.html

Meer informatie is te vinden op www.weeelectric.nl.

On behalf of a Romanian Group Initiative( including universities, IT&C , transport and logistic, energy and water companies) I am willing to create a Dutch Romanian stakeholder Group in order 1. to assess the development stage and later 2.to develop a Dutch Romanian Smart City Cooperation Platform of PROJECTS .
The strategic goal is to develop tools for the local Romanian public authorities to develop and implement Smart Cities adaptive projects in their areas. The business goal is to create more bottom-up cooperation (&start-ups based on new business models) opportunities for Dutch and Romanian SMEs and organizations.
All Dutch SMEs and other organizations interested to explore the business possibilities in the Bucharest (or enlarged Romanian) context are invited to contact me for details on priority sectors and possibilities of finance of such cooperation sectorial projects.

The role of an independent municipality is crucial here. What other 'smart city rules' can you think of?

In the Smart City, smart citizens, data and technology are the biggest enablers. That is why Amsterdam Smart City and Datalab joined forces to organize six ‘Smart Data, Smart City’ events in 2017. Next week, on the 18th of May it is time for number 3 in these series! This one is about the Amsterdam Smart City theme Governance & Education and is organised in collaboration with the University of Applied Sciences. You are most welcome to join us in the audience! Datalab, Weesperstraat 113, 15.30 - 18.00 hrs.

More information on the event and registration can be found here: https://amsterdamsmartcity.com/events/smart-data-smart-city-3-understanding-and-usag

Are you involved in a data driven project? What are your plans for the future? And which data do you need for this? Which issues do you foresee or encounter? Pitch your project/initiative/organization in 1 minute to put attention on this! Contact Nancy Zikken, community manager Amsterdam Smart City at nancy@amsterdamsmartcity.com if you are interested!

Don't have an initiative to pitch but want to attend the event? Register and join the audience!

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, has launched his search to find London’s first ever Chief Digital Officer (CDO) as he pushes London to be the world’s leading smart city.

“I want to take the digital transformation of our public services to the next level, so we can improve the ways in which we plan and deliver public services for Londoners,” said Khan. “London is a world-leading hub for digital technology, data science and urban innovation. These technologies have the potential to transform the way that Londoners and visitors experience our city.”

Your startup uses Artificial Intelligence technologies to disrupt everyday life? Join the AI Challenge and bring your startup to the next level.

Submit your idea and get the chance not only to win great rewards, but also to come to Paris, pitch your project to top CEOs, directors and employees.

You can present your mindblowing ideas in the field of client experience, machine learning, human intervention – in short: everything that revolutionizes Artificial Intelligence.

The United Colors of IoT Festival is all about bringing together the IOT-Community with lots of unlimited, free beers.
Big companies as well as start-ups, creatives, venture capitalists, IT and everyone who is part of the IOT-revolution will be present.
Hosted by Dutch TV-presenter Judith Osborn, confirmed speakers are Jan Willem Smeenk (Co-Founder Booking.com) Gilles Robichon from IOT360, Gijs Boerwinkel from Waag Society, Jonathan Carter from Sensemakers, Orne Brocaar from Open Source Lorawan Server, Ruurd Priester (Fellow at HvA, former Strategy-Director at DigitasLBicon) and Jasper Visser, International Change Agent at VISSCH + STAM.
Expect workshops (DIY with Lego) talks, networking and free, unlimited beers.
Catering by Hete Bliksem!
Get your tickets now.

Hi all,

In the article below you can read about the digitization process of the city of Moscow. Part of its success is the fact that there is a centralized organization of all public IT-systems. But they have some issues too.

I wonder if the city of Amsterdam shows similarities?

Egbert

EURENSSA 2017 will take place at ADM, the cultural free haven in Amsterdam's Western Port. For more information see our website at www.eurenssa2017.org

Do you want to come to our next Blockchain Meetup?

A Lab co-organizes a monthly Blockchain technology event with one of our members, Blockchain Workspace. Each month focuses on a new aspect of the industry, with guest speakers, and some drinks and bites.

The next Blockchain Meetup will take place on Thursday 18/05, with specific focus on certification and managing professional credentials. Guest speakers include Nicole van Ham, Jeroen Mol (from OKComply), as well as a special Skype question session with Masha McConaghy, who is based in Berlin. Our monthly Blockchain events have been very popular so far, and so we are looking forward to seeing a large group of interested attendees on the 18th!

For more on Blockchain Workspace: http://www.blockchain-workspace.com/wp/

Thursday 18/05 | 17.00 – 20.00 | The K Space

+RSVP via the Meetup Page:
https://www.meetup.com/Permissionless-Soc…/events/239108548/

Circulair ontwikkelen is niet gelijk aan circulair bouwen en ook weer iets anders dan circulaire economie of het sluiten van kringlopen. Hierdoor ontstaat er nogal eens ruis op de lijn: wat is een circulaire vastgoed- of gebiedsontwikkeling? Tegelijkertijd is nu het moment om binnen de bouw- en vastgoedsector barrières te slechten en circulair ontwikkelen betekenis te geven. Full post on www.duurzaamgebouwd.nl

A conclusive approach for every status holder that enters the Amsterdam Approach to Asylum Status Holders.

Hello everyone,

Have you considered the benefits of combining blockchain and IoT? I am a MSc student at the Rotterdam School of Management and need interviewees who can provide insights on the potential company adoption of blockchain payment solutions for IoT. You don't need to have extensive knowledge on blockchain as I can provide a scenario and examples of how blockchain can be used and ask a few related questions. The topic is indeed very interesting so you could learn more in the process and find out how you can implement it for your company. If would like to participate or need more information, please contact me via desislava.stoitsova@gmail.com or Skype (desislava.stoitsova).

Best,
Desislava

EV Energy paves the way for a future decarbonisation of the energy and mobility sector.

Articles by Green IT Amsterdam

1. Removing the last hurdle to EV’s integration: policies and regulations overdue make-over
2. Embracing the flexible energy revolution in urban cities
3. EV ENERGY at the European Sustainable Energy Week
4. Nieuwe mobiliteitsoplossingen vereisen slimme ICT / New mobility solutions require smarter ICT
5. Opslag van energie Amsterdam Arena wijst datacenters de weg

Professionals Video

1. RTL7 - Green Project (Dutch TV - We explain how your electric car can function as a small power plant!)
2. EV Energy takes action! (Video on the actions planned in our partner regions to promote sustainable mobility and energy)

Newsletter: Semester 1, Semester 2, Semester 3, Semester 4,

Other materials:

• Policy brief on Sustainable Mobility: read here
• Webinar on E-Mobility: watch here

Subscribe to our newsletter and receive upfront all news, updates and events from the EV ENERGY project !

City policy-makers need to revisit the approaches they adopted to combat urbanization challenges. Traditionally, the provision of urban infrastructure and services to meet people’s basic needs, local economic development and environmental protection has been the exclusive province of the public sector. Urbanization dynamics have evolved over time and call for a transition to a more collaborative approach enabling the private sector, civil society and academia to participate and be a partner in bringing about the desired transformation.

The figure below depicts the four stages of a city’s development. Cities need to identify their current stage and the future transformational initiatives they plan to adopt to climb the development ladder at a rate that is commensurate with the pace of urbanization.

In the past few years, the Smart Grid has gained a lot of popularity, mainly due to the fact that it promises a more intelligent, efficient, and reliable use of the power resources, while also providing a better quality of service to the customers. The advances in the technology of renewable energy sources have also contributed to the increased dependence on renewable energy, as opposed to the conventional fossil-based sources. In this paper, we demonstrate an idea for using renewable energy sources; namely, solar energy, to power a street lighting system, which could alleviate a lot of stress on the conventional power grid, and take us a step further in the process of moving towards a more intelligent power grid.

www.engoplanet.com

One of the biggest expenditures in Smart Solar street light system is the battery.
Batteries in solar street lights have to meet the demands of unstable grid energy, charging and discharging cycles and irregular full recharging. There is a variety of battery types that can meet these unique requirements. Main considerations when choosing a battery for smart solar street lights include cost, cycle life, installation and maintenance cost.
Below we addressed these aspects for each battery technology, as well as some best practices when selecting batteries for a solar installation

1) Lead Acid (most common in smart solar street light application)

Deep-cycle, lead-acid batteries have been employed in renewable energy and reliably used in off-grid applications globally for decades.
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Cost: Typical deep-cycle, lead-acid batteries cost about half as much as lithium-ion.
Cycling: Valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries include absorbed glass mat (AGM) and gel models. Many AGMs batteries available in the market are primarily built for dual-purpose or standby applications like emergency backup, but not deep cycling. However, new deep-cycle AGM designs have increased performance and total energy output making them a good choice for renewable energy applications at a lower price point than gel batteries.
Replacement/maintenance: Many factors including initial design and ongoing maintenance influence battery life so it’s difficult to put a time frame on when the batteries will need replacement. Flooded lead-acid batteries have to be refilled regularly because the electrolyte that fully submerges the battery plates evaporates during charging. The battery enclosure needs ventilation to keep hydrogen gas from accumulating to dangerous levels.
AGM and gel technologies, however, are recombination, meaning they internally convert hydrogen and oxygen into water and do not require maintenance. As there is no free acid inside these batteries, they can be installed in any position other than upside down. Because solar applications can be in hard-to-reach or remote areas, the ability to install the batteries and let them operate over long periods without maintenance is a benefit.

2) Lithium-ion

According to a U.S. Solar Energy Monitor report, lithium-ion batteries are the most best storage technology, regardless of application. There are three types: pouches such as in smartphones and tablets, cylindrical such as in power tools, and prismatic such as in electronic vehicles. Prismatic types often have corrugated sides, which create air gaps between adjacent cells and can aid in cooling. The prismatic can have applications in solar energy storage, specifically lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
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Cost: At least twice as much as lead acid batteries. However the economy of scale and large number of new factories that have been created in last couple of years definitely drew the price of lithium batteries down. The new Tesla's Gigafactory will be a game changer for lithium ion indusry. Analysts expect that the price for this battery type will drop by 40% in next couple of years due to all these trends. In that case the lithium battery will be natural and rational choice for Smart Solar Street light application considering that it has much better cycle life, smaller size and weight which can open doors for new Smart Solar Street lights designs.

Cycling: Lithium-ion batteries can typically deliver more cycles in their lifetime than lead-acid. This makes them a good choice for applications when batteries are cycled to provide ancillary services to the grid. The most important benefit lithium-ion provides for solar is its high charge and discharge efficiencies, which help harvest more energy. Lithium-ion batteries also lose less capacity when idle, which is useful in solar installations where energy is only used occasionally.
Replacement/maintenance: Lithium-ion batteries can be lighter and more self contained than lead-acid batteries, so may be easier to install and change out. They can be wall-mounted and located indoors or outdoors. They are solid, so don’t require refills or maintenance.