Energy transition: key role for Lifeport Arnhem Nijmegen Region
Lifeport Arnhem-Nijmegen plays an absolutely key role in current energy issues. Thanks to a robust ecosystem of businesses, research institutions and public authorities known as Connectr, the region is a leading hub for energy innovation and economic growth. “All the right conditions are in place here. If you’re a company in the energy sector looking to grow, or seeking people, resources and investment, then it makes perfect sense to set up here,” say Tycho Tomassen (Energy Strategist at The Economic Board Regio Arnhem Nijmegen) and Jeroen Herremans (Director at Connectr).
Lifeport Regio Arnhem Nijmegen boasts extensive expertise in the fields of electricity and networks. A century of electricity history is being linked to the 2050 climate targets. This ranges from established companies such as Kema, Alliander and TenneT to new, emerging firms such as Elestor, Rift, Milence, Powercrumbs, Hedgehog Applications and Floading. On top of this came grid congestion; to retain businesses in the region and enable them to grow, the region can, together with these companies, take the lead here for the region, the Netherlands and Europe. 
Jeroen Herremans (Director at Connectr) on the left and Tycho Tomassen (Energy Strategist at The Economic Board Arnhem-Nijmegen Region) on the right.
Photograph by Jan Adelaar
Accelerate and boost
Two parties doing important work for this are The Economic Board Arnhem Nijmegen and Stichting Connectr. "With The Economic Board, we are also associated with the Lifeport Region, with myself being responsible for the Energy cluster," Tycho Tomassen explains. "In that role, I strengthen the srategy and connect our region to the wider ecosystem. Through joint lobbying, we strive for covering investments for our strategic initiatives, aiming to stimulate and accelerate innovations and the economy." Alongside Tomassen, Connectr Foundation director Jeroen Herremans also joined in: "We are all in an energy transition. If, as a region, you have all that experience, knowledge and expertise in house, then you should also take responsibility to start putting forward the solutions needed for the energy transition in the Netherlands. That is what comes first at Connectr Foundation. We want to accelerate the energy transition and turn it into a good economy. For example, by linking companies to scale up innovations.
People
The energy sector is the fastest-growing sector in the region, with an added value of €2.5 billion a year. Until 2034, several billions will be invested in grid capacity, transport, housing projects and business parks, among other things. The other side of the story is also being considered by parties such as Connectr and The Economic Board, Jeroen Herremans points out: "For instance, people are of course also needed to grow the energy economy and in this too, we stand alongside entrepreneurs ." Compared to the national average, Lifeport Regio Arnhem Nijmegen has 1.7 times as many people employed in the energy sector. An additional 15,000 jobs are expected over the next ten years, including replacement demand. To accommodate this, The Economic Board is working with Connectr, Alliander, HAN University of Applied Sciences, ROC Nijmegen, SEECE and other partners on an Energy Talent Plan. This plan bundles existing initiatives and focuses on enthusing young people for technical courses, retraining and upskilling lateral entrants and strengthening cooperation between education and business. "This positions the Lifeport region as the place in the Netherlands to work, learn and innovate in the energy sector. Aimed at both highly skilled energy innovators and practically skilled mechanics and installers," Tycho Tomassen explains.
Warm Network
Together, they ensure that the right conditions are in place in the region for companies operating in the energy sector. “If you’re a company looking to grow in that sector or seeking people, resources and investment, then it makes perfect sense to set up here,” says Tycho Tomassen. “Companies will really be welcomed with open arms here,” concludes Jeroen Herremans.
In the Lifeport region, energy is being used as a powerful driver of economic growth. With the ports in Arnhem and Nijmegen serving as strategic logistical hubs, stakeholders are working closely together to ensure the smart coordination of initiatives with an energy component. For example, the development of the Nieuwe Haven in Arnhem ties in seamlessly with projects in the port of Nijmegen, including the Shared Facility Integrator in collaboration with Hyster-Yale. By strengthening these links through The Economic Board and Connectr, a future-proof network is being created that accelerates innovation, logistics and the energy transition.
Arnhem Nijmegen Business August 2025
