On 11 October, Wittenborg's CEO, Maggie Feng, and members of the Strategic Network Apeldoorn gathered for a special executive dinner, hosted in the Prins Hendrik Garage on the prestigious grounds of Het Loo Palace. The Strategic Network Apeldoorn, dedicated to collectively shaping and executing Apeldoorn's economic agenda, seized the opportunity to engage in enlightening discussions on the energy transition and sustainability themes in anticipation of the Dutch heating congress, the 'Nationaal Warmte Congres', the following day.

Discussions throughout the evening centred on the current challenges and opportunities in the energy sector. The event featured notable guest speakers, including Reinier Koppelaar, Deputy Director of Energy Markets at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, who shed light on the evolving roles of municipalities and provinces in energy transition. Additionally, Matthijs Bouw, a Practising Professor in Architecture and Landscape Architecture at the University of Pennsylvania and the founder of One Architecture & Urbanism, shared practical insights into the importance of collaboration in addressing sustainability challenges.

Reflecting on the event, Feng emphasised that the energy industry faces a myriad of challenges, extending beyond the traditional focus on 'heating'. She noted that it now encompasses the broader impact of an anticipated four-degree rise in global temperatures.

As the evening progressed, participants had the opportunity to engage in informal discussions, sharing their thoughts on various aspects of the energy transition, including affordability, which is, according to Feng, a pressing issue. She explained, "One of the most significant challenges in the energy industry is the state of our electricity grid, which is under immense strain. Upgrading and modernising the electricity grid is a paramount challenge. This undertaking is not only technologically complex but also involves substantial costs. However, it is an essential step to support the integration of renewable energy sources and ensure a reliable energy supply."

Collaboration emerged as a central theme throughout the evening, underscoring the vital role of collective efforts in ensuring the success of the energy transition in the Apeldoorn region. Feng emphasised that businesses, educational institutions and community organisations must work together, as the installation of solar panels demands well-trained technicians, and the data generated requires proficient data analysts, for example. 

"Furthermore, in an industry that is constantly evolving, future-proof leadership is a significant challenge. All stakeholders must collaborate in addressing the talent gap and skill deficiency, emphasising the importance of lifelong learning."

WUP 8/11/2023
by Erene Roux
©WUAS Press