Smart energy and storage are changing the system
According to energy expert Auke Hoekstra, the energy transition is no longer a distant vision of the future, but a development that is already well under way. In an interview during Arnhem Electricity Week, he emphasised that electric mobility, smart energy systems and battery storage are developing faster than many people realise. He believes that electric driving will ultimately become both cheaper and more efficient than driving on fossil fuels.
Hoekstra sees solar energy, wind energy and batteries as driving a new energy system. Especially smart energy storage will be crucial. Batteries can absorb peaks on the power grid and ensure that renewable energy is used more efficiently. This will reduce the need to expand the power grid, which could save billions. According to Hoekstra, the power grid is currently designed for occasional peak loads, while smart storage and real-time control can make the system much smarter.
"The technology for the energy transition is already there. The real challenge is how fast we dare to change."
- Auke Hoekstra
Region grows into international energy hotspot
Lifeport Regio Arnhem Nijmegen plays an important role in this. The region is increasingly developing as the energy hotspot of the Netherlands. Major players like Alliander, TenneT, DNV, ElaadNL and numerous innovative SMEs work here together with knowledge institutions like the HAN, Radboud University and the technical universities. Within ecosystems such as Connectr and SEECE, new solutions are being developed for grid congestion, energy storage, smart charging and electrification of industry and mobility.
Arnhem Electricity Week shows how strong this cooperation now is. During the event, companies, researchers, policymakers and talent come together around themes such as smart energy networks, battery technology, charging infrastructure and system integration. Innovations are not only discussed, but also directly tested in living labs and demonstration environments at locations such as Cleantech Park Arnhem.
In addition, the region has an important focus on talent development. The energy transition alone will require thousands of additional professionals in the coming years. With initiatives such as the Energy Talent Plan, Lifeport Regio Arnhem Nijmegen is working on training, retraining and attracting technical talent. In this way, the region not only wants to strengthen its own position, but also give national direction to the energy transition.
Hoekstra's message ties in perfectly with this: the technology is already there, but acceleration requires cooperation, innovation and guts. These elements come together in Lifeport Regio Arnhem Nijmegen. As a result, the region is growing into an international testing ground for the energy system of the future.
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Auke Hoekstra, researcher and advisor on electric mobility at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), is known for his clear vision on energy transition. During Arnhem Electricity Week, he sees the event as an important platform to make policymakers and young professionals aware of the profound changes in the energy system. Hoekstra is also widely known for his contributions on social media and in the media, where he regularly debunks persistent misconceptions about electric driving.
This article originally appeared on the Arnhem Electricity Week website and has been translated and edited by Lifeport Regio Arnhem Nijmegen.
