• Social innovation is more important than technological innovation
  According to Arnoud van der Wijk of the Schiphol Area Development Company (SADC), the energy transition is first and foremost a social innovation. Therefore, the first step is to build a relationship with your neighboring companies. Only then can you start building a shared energy system. SADC has demonstrated this in an energy hub. In one of its business parks, new companies only had a limited number of connections to the electricity grid due to congestion in the area. SADC was able to solve this problem, resulting in 14 companies being connected to a total of four network-connections. Enabling the business park to thrive, while preventing over 550 tons of CO₂ emissions in the first six months of 2023. Inspiring!
• Government should take a leadership role in accelerating the transition to renewable energy.
  While partnerships are vital for a company like Ørsted, Ruben Dijkstra asserts that the government must display leadership by outlining a clear vision and policy for the energy transition. It must make decisions about the future of the Dutch industry and provide guidance in the decarbonization roadmaps. The government should also play an important role in aligning supply and demand of renewable energy. Large energy consumers are waiting for cheaper and more readily available green energy, and energy producers need more large energy consumers for a guaranteed demand. The right balance can ensure that the energy transition keeps its pace. Exciting!
• Continuous improvement with your partners.
  One company cannot tackle the challenge of electrifying public transportation alone. According to Michael de Ruiter of Transdev, every stakeholder has a crucial role to play in achieving net-zero public transport. This includes bus manufacturers, network operators, local authorities, and maintenance engineers. Collaboration is the only way to realize a zero-emission public transportation system by 2030. With this approach Transdev already has the largest zero-emission fleet of Europe with over 500 Zero Emission busses. Front runner!

The overarching theme? Collaboration is not just a buzzword; it’s the foundation of progress in the energy sector. Each panelist provided a distinct viewpoint, reinforcing the notion that only through joint effort can we effectively handle the challenges of the energy transition. Interested in how we can support in this, see our case with Transdev