When she learnt she was to become a councillor for the municipality of Arnhem, Nermina Kundić was particularly looking forward to one aspect. She would be working on the energy transition in a genuine energy region. “Everything I find interesting comes together here.”
“The Arnhem region has, of course, traditionally been an energy hub, home to companies such as Alliander and KEMA,” Kundić begins her story. “What’s more, a great deal of energy research is carried out here. Innovations devised here are used all over the world. We’re truly at the forefront, and that creates plenty of jobs.”
As a councillor with the economy, as well as sustainability and education, in her portfolio, she is naturally delighted about this. “In other local authorities where I served as a councillor, I was already involved in the energy transition. I’ve always considered the subject to be very important. When I was preparing to move to Arnhem and read a lot about this fantastic energy cluster, I thought: this is really right up my street. Everything I find interesting comes together here.”
Inspire each other
She believes that the fact that many energy specialists are located close together, particularly at the Kleefse Waard Industrial Park (IPKW), is one of the keys to Arnhem’s success. “When you’re working on a transition, you’re working on something new, something that hasn’t been thought of before. So it’s essential that you don’t compete, but join forces and inspire one another to come up with better solutions. This includes working with research institutions. A culture like that emerges when everyone is based close to one another.”
Public authorities also have a role to play in these collaborations. Together with Arnhem City Council, Kundić aims above all to create the right conditions. “If companies or research institutions come up with something new for which there is no place yet in the existing systems, then public authorities must adapt by providing opportunities and making space.” She means ‘making space’ both figuratively and literally. “The available space on business estates is a challenge, particularly as housing is also a priority. We need to steer things in the right direction to attract the right kind of business activity to these estates. For example, we are currently developing a spatial vision for the business parks on the eastern side of Arnhem. One of the objectives is to provide more space for energy start-ups.”
Smart minds and capable hands
The council is also committed to attracting businesses to Arnhem. “We try to think in terms of chains and ecosystems. Do we have all the functions needed to bring about innovations and make them applicable? From there, we look at whether we can attract certain businesses here. For companies already here that play a key role in the ecosystem, we’re working even harder to keep them here.”
Especially now that human capital is a major challenge, it’s good to have a strong cluster. “It’s challenging to find bright minds and skilled hands. As a local authority, we’re doing our very best to convince people to come here to study, live and work. This includes technicians, but also people who have a good understanding of the social aspects of the energy transition. The fact that we have such a vibrant ecosystem here makes us attractive to professionals who are currently working elsewhere.”
Creative energy
It also aims to bring people together. “I sometimes notice at meetings that not everyone is fully aware of everything the region has to offer. We have a good overview of the landscape and can therefore connect people with one another.” She gives an example. “Arnhem has roots not only as an energy city but also as a creative city, with many designers living and working here. These two groups are very different, but they can complement each other perfectly. Designers have learnt specific methodologies for coming up with new ideas. That’s different from what you learn on a technical course. In the energy transition, that’s actually very useful, partly because of the social aspect I just mentioned. To get society on board, you need creative perspectives. That’s why, last year, we launched the ‘Creative Energy’ programme, bringing these groups together. Some great projects have already come out of it.”
She watches with enthusiasm as all sorts of things happen in the municipality. “We’re looking at how we can use our trolleybus network as an alternative network to reduce grid congestion. The knowledge and creativity available here are what make such innovative plans possible. Work is also underway in Arnhem on batteries made from more sustainable raw materials and on generating energy in a circular way by burning iron. In addition, we can of course be very proud of companies such as ElaadNL, which are global leaders.”
This creates an appeal that, in her view, should not be underestimated. “Companies from all over the world consider Arnhem when they’re thinking about where to set up. Sometimes they’re torn between London and Arnhem and ultimately choose us. That’s the result of everything that’s happening here.”
