NRG Magazine Edition 8

Edition 8 | 2012 Retailprice € 5,50

Population Growth & Energy Demand Connecting Energy, Food and Water

ENERGY DELTA

CONVENTION

SPECIAL EDITION

Shell’s Vision on the Energy-Water-Food Nexus Gasunie Gas, a Sine Qua Non in the Sustainable Energy Mix of the Future ROSEN - Shell - DNV KEMA - Vermilion Energy Waterbedrijf Groningen - Gemeente Leeuwarden

G

asTerra and its legal predecessors have now been in existence for almost 50 years. It all began with the discovery of a

large gas field in 1959 and the emergence of natural gas as the main energy source of the 1960s. The development of natural gas has given us an important position of expertise on the international gas market and created economic growth. That’s why I am amazed that people don’t recognise the value of natural gas for the future. Fortunately, a number of conferences are being organised in order to swap ideas about our future

energy

scenario.

The

Energy

Delta

Convention is taking place between 19 and 21 November and is one of these conferences. The business community, the science sector, young professionals and students will share their ideas on themes such as Changing Energy Infrastructures, Energy, Water and Food and, to conclude, Back to the Future of Gas. As a gas trading company, it’s easy for us to see

Gas is part of the solution

the opportunities for natural gas to be a partner for renewable sources. We are investigating in the future role of gas by carrying out various projects.

We recently organized, together with Joulz and Stedin, a seminar called ‘Hydrogen mixed with natural gas’. Here we presented the results of a four-year study on the Dutch island Ameland into the effects of mixing hydrogen with natural gas.

The inhabitants of fourteen apartments cooked and heated their homes for four years using this mixture of hydrogen and gas.

The results of this investigation are promising: mixing in twenty percent of hydrogen created no problems in practice nor did it affect materials or equipment. Moreover, the inhabitants did not notice any difference between natural gas or this mixture of hydrogen and natural gas. A unique project in Europe and an inspiring example of sustainability. We recommend (and so do the

.

researchers) scaling up and extending this study for application to the whole country. In this way, together, we are ensuring that the Dutch gas infrastructure will remain part of the solution as a partner for renewable energy sources.

Gertjan Lankhorst CEO GasTerra

Foreword

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Editor in chief Jan Schulte

Editor Luminita Stoica

Editorial team and administration

Design

NRG Magazine

Giscard van Uytrecht

Kwinkenplein 8-4 9712 GZ Groningen T: 050-317 1475 E: contact@nrgmagazine.nl www.nrgmagazine.nl www.twitter.com/thenrgbattle www.facebook.com/nrgbattle blog.nrgbattle.com NRG Magazine is published 4 times a year.

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Cover photo Courtesy of Gasunie

Contact Are you also interested in a subscription to the NRG Magazine or would you like your company to be featured in the next edition? Do you have interesting topics and ideas for future editions of the magazine? Then please contact: editor@nrgmagazine.nl or call Luminita Stoica: +31 (0)50 317 14 75

reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher and authors do not

Thank you.

accept liability for damages of any nature whatsoever, resulting from actions and / or decisions based on the information in this magazine. This issue is produced with the utmost care.

The NRG Magazine Team

Editor’s Note

Editor’s note Dear Reader, Not even two months have passed and the NRG Magazine is back. This edition is a special one. All the articles that follow are dedicated to the themes tackled in the 2012 Energy Delta Convention. Our cover story (pages 8-20) is a think tank of top professionals discussing the major areas that drive the transition to a more sustainable energy system. They are going to take you through the energy-food-water nexus (Dick Benschop), then through gas, importance and usage (Gertjan Lankhorst, Pierre Bartholomeus and Paul van Gelder) and also through the backbone of the energy system, its infrastructures (Erik Cornelissen).

Our special edition continues with EBN (page 24), NOGEPA (pages 25-27) and Vermilion Energy (pages 28-29) approaching the importance of gas exploitation in the Netherlands and focusing on new techniques, small gas fields and the essential role that the public acceptance of gas plays in the pursue of sustainability. In the Rational Middle section (pages 30-31), Prof. Hester Bijl and Prof. Paulien Herder from TU Delft are discussing if gas will still be an important energy source in the next four decades, by bringing their scientific expertise to the table. Also, Energy Valley Director Gerrit van Werven presents the innovative developments that the foundation is involved in at the moment (pages 34-35).

The next section of the magazine is dedicated to water and energy. Aleid Diepeveen, Director Business Development at NWP emphasizes the networking role of the Netherlands Water Partnership (pages 40-41). The Waterbedrijf Groningen is busy with thermal storage, affordable housing for students and heat distribution grids (pages 42-43). And, Alderman Henk Deinum and Prof.

Cees Buisman tell us why Leeuwarden is on its way to becoming the European Capital of Water Technology (pages 44-45). Furthermore, Maria van der Hoeven, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency shares her views on the energy transition in the Back to the future section (pages 46-47). After which, you are invited to visit the NRG Battle – Europe Edition (pages 52-55), with all the bright ideas, top talents and impressive jury members that were present.

Last, but not least, this year’s Offshore Energy Conference was a booming success (page 62).

Luminita Stoica at the NRG Battle – Europe Edition, October 2012

All the experts featured in this edition are fully aware of the challenges that the energy field is facing. Consequentially, you will see high-interest topics being repeatedly referred to throughout the magazine (e.g. the intermittent nature of solar and wind energy and the connection to gas). What is essential to note is that each personality featured in the magazine has a different perspective regarding these high-interest topics and it is quite unique to have all of them exposing their view in one magazine.

Enjoy your reading.

Luminita Stoica

Index Coverstory The Future of Energy Demand Global energy demand is growing and so is the population.

8.

Predictions are that, by 2050, the world’s population will exceed 9 billion individuals. This is why this edition’s cover story focuses on the connection between resources and energy.

Coverstory 10.

Shell’s vision on the Energy-Water-Food Nexus

12.

The Resourceful, Reliable and Responsible Energy Economy

14.

The Real Value of Gas

16.

Gas, a Sine Qua Non in the Sustainable Energy Mix of the Future

18.

ROSEN Supports Changing Infrastructures

20.

EDC and EDGaR: Innovation with Academic Boost

Financing Sustainability Why Gas needs CO2 Pricing

Leeuwarden Water Campus

44.

23.

Back to the future with Maria van der Hoeven

46.

Talents in the Spotlight Only once in a blue moon do we meet Top Talents. Not only are they high achievers in their studies, but they also have a unique personality and bring added value to any company. From this NRG Battle edition we chose four top gifted individuals with an uncommon combination of talents. For instance, the Strategic Talent, an interesting combination between efficiency and creativity, is a very unique blend of attributes, so rare and worth encountering in one person. You cannot see this in the resume or in the appearance. And this is why we use the Big Five personality test. We think Piet, Sarah, Nathalie and Ilja are real Top Talents.

56.

Cover story

Population Growth & Energy Demand Global energy demand is growing and so is the population. Predictions are that, by 2050, the world’s population will exceed 9 billion individuals. It is no surprise that the population rise will put quite a strain on the planet’s resources. This is why this edition’s cover story focuses on the connection between resources and energy.

Hence, our cover story is dedicated to Gas, Energy, Food, Water and Changing Infrastructures, in other words, the Energy Delta Convention 2012 themes. In the pages that follow, Dick Benschop (President Director of Shell Netherlands) tackles the energy-water-food nexus (pages 10-11), Gertjan Lankhorst (CEO GasTerra) talks about the importance of gas for the Netherlands (pages 12-13), Pierre Bartholomeus (Global Director Gas Consulting & Services DNV KEMA) exposes the real value of gas (pages 14-15) and Paul van Gelder (CEO Gasunie) continues the discussion about the future of gas (pages 16-17), while Erik Cornelissen (Executive General Manager & Vice President at Rosen Europe BV) emphasizes the importance of infrastructures security and maintenance in the transition period (pages 18-19). Last but not least, Bert Wiersema, founder of the Energy Delta Convention, presents the event’s beginnings (page 20).

Photo courtesy of Shell

8 | NRG Magazine edition 8

Cover story

EDC Special: Sustainability’s Knowledge Platform

F

or the past eight years the Energy Delta Convention brought together innovators, academics, entrepreneurs and policy makers to share their knowledge and knowhow regarding the energy

sector. As the road to a more sustainable energy system meets and overcomes its challenges, events such as the EDC bring ideas and possibilities to the transition table. The conference enable people from multiple fields and various degrees of experience to come together and discuss pressing topics related to the transition to a more sustainable energy system.

From its beginning, the EDC was meant to bring together the most important pillars of society in order to enable a productive communication and knowledge sharing for the evolution of the energy field. As the road to sustainability is shaping into a clearer path, the importance of the EDC is growing accordingly. Bert Wiersema, founder of the EDC explains: “The Energy Delta Convention started from the idea that, if you want an energy transition, you need three pillars of our society that means, of course, the sciences, businesses and authorities. This is the basic triangle we apply each year to the convention, and we have speakers from all three angles. Also, this is one important contribution of the EDC to the process of energy transition. Another contribution is that we always look to the energy transition to see which themes are important.

We are a knowledge sharing platform, we are not a conference on one topic, but we try to connect themes like gas and energy, water and food.

This way, people from different fields, who are important for the energy transition and who need each other, can find each other in the conference.

We also try to mix young minds, like young students or young energy professionals with experienced minds, colleagues in the energy field,� says dr. Bert Wiersema, founder of the Energy Delta Convention.

.

The 2012 edition of the Energy Delta Convention is the knowledge sharing platform to a more sustainable future by allowing bright minds to discuss innovations and ideas about the Future of Gas, Changing Infrastructures, Energy, Food and Water.

NRG Magazine edition 8 | 9

Cover story: Shell

Shell’s Vision on the Energy-Water-Food Nexus A better future for the planet requires a better understanding of the complex relationship among energy, water and food. While resources are continuously being pressured by human activities the energy-water-food nexus becomes increasingly important. Shell is actively investing in understanding the nexus and in accounting for the footprints of its activities. The company not only consistently helps in producing knowledge for a more sustainable future, but also encourages knowledge sharing and active debate regarding energy related topics.

Dick Benschop, President – Director of Shell Netherlands

S

hell is ready to tackle the energy

Shell is constantly preoccupied with

with other companies, where synergy

challenges of the future. But why

accounting for its water footprint. “We

and reutilization are basic themes,”

is Shell so interested in the

have

explaines Dick Benschop.

energy

-

food

-

water

nexus?

been

footprint

working

for

a

on

our

CO2

while

and

we

Dick Benschop, President-Director of

understand it. Accounting for our

“We

Shell Netherlands explains: “Shell has

water footprint is something different.

knowledge

realized that you cannot look at energy

Hence, we wanted to find out the

insights and studies publicly available.

in isolation. There are overlapping

methodology for measuring our water

In Shell, we have a long history of

claims between the energy, water and

footprint. This is how the cooperation

scenarios development and scenario

food systems in the world (e.g. water is

with the University of Utrecht emerged.

thinking. We always publish those

used when generating energy, and

We published the results of our

scenarios because we get input from

when you produce oil and gas you also

cooperation to enable more companies

various disciplines, thinkers and think

produce water). If you look at each

to go down that route. At the global

tanks. We also make our insights

perspective

in

isolation,

you

miss

level, we want to have an overview of

available again, because we are firm

important

opportunities

for

co-

how much oil and gas we produce,

believers in evidence-based policy,”

operation, synergies, recycling and

what is our CO2 footprint and what is

clarifies Dick Benschop.

circulation. Since water shortage is

our water footprint. Having these

worldwide a very severe boundary

insights is the first step in steering our

With respect to the role of gas in the

condition, finding solutions for water

water usage and having a serious look

transition

in combination with energy and food is

at opportunities. We want to start a

Director of Shell Netherlands remarks:

an extremely important development.”

few projects in this area, in partnership

“Gas will not only be the transition

10 | NRG Magazine edition 8

believe

in

participating

sharing

period,

and

the

in

making

President-

Cover story: Shell

fuel, but it will be the backbone of the transformation

of

the

energy

system.

Replacing coal fired power generation with gas fired power generation is a very costeffective way of reducing CO2 emissions up to half. Going forward, in Europe, I see an increased efficiency from the combination of gas and renewables. Renewables have the issue of intermittency, and gas is very flexible and able to compensate for that. Also, gas is very good in terms of transportation and storage. There is now the first R&D regarding the so-called ‘power to gas’: when there is excess of wind power, you can turn that wind power into hydrogen, via electrolysis, and then use the hydrogen in the gas grid. Thus, you go from wind power to gas, which you can store and use at other points in time.”

“We believe in participating in knowledge sharing and making insights and studies publicly available.”

Shell’s vision on the energy-water-food nexus is already in line with its projects. The Pearl Gas-to-Liquids

plant

in

Qatar

and

the

collaboration with Gate terminal are examples of Shell’s vision for a more sustainable future.

“The Pearl project reuses and even produces water and has a very good water footprint.

Shell also began a project with Gasunie and Vopak (the parties involved in Gate terminal) to start using LNG (liquefied natural gas) into transportation (e.g. trucks, barges along the Rhine, coastal ships). The environment could benefit from the CO2 emissions reduction if all these modes of transportation would be powered by gas in the form of LNG. That

.

would be an innovation in the transportation sector and it is a growth sector as well. Shell has already ordered two LNG barges for its own use, which will be built in Zwolle,” explains Dick Benschop.

Shell is investing in transportation that uses LNG, to reduce CO2 and other emissions – Photography courtesy of Shell NRG Magazine edition 8 | 11

Cover story: GasTerra

The Resourceful, Reliable and Responsible Energy Economy Gas resources in the Netherlands give the country a key position in the European and world energy market. “The Netherlands is still an energy exporting country and will continue to be so in the foreseeable future.

GasTerra is the largest EU gas supplier. This gives the country some clout on the European market and in EU policy making,” remarks Gertjan Lankhorst, the Chief Executive Officer of GasTerra.

Gertjan Lankhorst, CEO GasTerra

T

he evolution of gas demand in

per year to heat our homes and

of the energy markets. This has had a

the decades to come is an

buildings and to produce electricity.

great deal of influence on the gas

important

the

Our product has several important

industry. GasTerra is itself a product of

transition to sustainability, not to

advantages in the transition to a fully

this

mention

account

sustainable energy economy. From the

compete in a free market with others

population growth predictions for the

fossil fuels, gas leaves the smallest CO2

and buy and sell gas on gas hubs. We

next decades. Gas is the least pollutant

footprint. Gas can help in keeping the

have adapted to these changes by

fossil fuel, and can easily make the

power supply stable when renewable

building on our experience, keeping

connection between renewable energy

energy,

is

what remains valuable and meeting

and energy based on fossil fuels.

unpredictable, is not available. Finally,

the needs and aspirations of our

Gertjan Lankhorst elaborates on the

gas is abundantly available, which is

customers.”

role of gas: “In the next three to four

good news for a world that needs ever

decades, gas demand will remain high,

increasing amounts of energy to fuel

GasTerra holds an important position

in spite of developments that harm the

its growing economies.”

in the International Gas Union (IGU).

aspect

taking

into

of

which

by

nature

position of gas in the energy mix such

profound

transformation.

We

“We’re not just member of the IGU. We

as low prices for CO2 and coal and not

With respect to the changes that the

are pretty active in the organization.

well-considered

gas

GasTerra

energy

policies,

market

is

experiencing,

the

employees

participate

in

primarily in the world at large, but also

GasTerra CEO comments: “The most

several working groups and program

in Europe. The next decades, we will be

important change in the natural gas

committees in the IGU. As president of

needing trillions of cubic meters of gas

market is obviously the liberalization

the Royal Dutch Gas Association I am a

12 | NRG Magazine edition 8

Cover story: GasTerra

© Copyright DeZwarteHond

New GasTerra Office Building in Groningen (artist impression). The existing office building is currently undergoing renovation and being redeveloped according to sustainable principles, from energy label G to A.

member of the Executive Committee

remarks: “I am first and foremost

sensible

of the International Gas Union. The

proud of the people who work at

technological innovation. To develop

IGU is one of the platforms we are

GasTerra. In a relatively short period

knowledge we must exchange our

using to share our vision and position

they have converted our company

ideas and views and the results of

on

the

from a national monopoly into a

scientific research. The Energy Delta

indispensable role of natural gas in it.

company that has acquired a strong

Convention

GasTerra believes that the combination

position in a competitive market.

platforms that enable us to do this. The

of energy security and climate change,

GasTerra has proven that a public-

role of the EDC and other high level

with the provision of food and water,

private partnership can be successful in

conferences

triggers the most important challenges

a competitive energy market. With

educate,”

the world faces today. All who are

respect to our future, we plan to

Lankhorst.

active in the energy industry or are

continue contributing to a resourceful,

involved in the energy debate should

reliable

join forces to meet these challenges.

economy.”

the

energy

future

and

and

responsible

energy

(EDC)

.

and

policy

is

one

seminars

concludes

and

of

is

the

to

Gertjan

energy

My message to the IGU is that it should engage with our stakeholders to

Finally,

promote the cause of gas,” explains

communication and sharing ideas is

the

importance

of

Gertjan Lankhorst. Regarding the 2012

not be neglected on the road to a more

GasTerra accomplishments that Gertjan

sustainable energy system: “We believe

Lankhorst is most proud of, the CEO

that energy literacy is the key to

NRG Magazine edition 8 | 13

Cover story: DNV KEMA

The Real Value of Gas DNV KEMA is committed to helping its clients optimize their operational excellence and recognizes the true value of gas on the road to sustainability.

The recent cooperation between DNV and KEMA allows both companies to benefit from each other’s knowledge base and expertise, especially when it comes to gas. “Now we have a more global spread and a bigger mass of knowledge to provide services to our customers,” says Pierre Bartholomeus, Global Director of Gas Consultancy & Services at DNV KEMA.

Photography: Edwin van de Graaf

Pierre Bartholomeus, Global Director / Senior Vice President Gas Consulting & Services at DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability

“Gas is the cleanest fossil fuel and it

population growth. The predictions

The fourth point is related to air quality

can become sustainable as well, by

are that the world’s population will

and climate change. If you compare

adding hydrogen or biogases. Also,

grow from 7 to 9.3 billion by 2050. This

natural gas with coal or nuclear power,

when we speak about grid integration,

means a growth in demands for energy.

gas is definitely the low carbon and

the gas infrastructure can become a

Gas can contribute with conventional

flexible

virtual battery. This entails that, when

or unconventional sources and it will

implementation of renewable power.

there is surplus of renewable power

be essential to have the necessary

Furthermore, when you speak about

from wind turbines or from solar

resources to deploy (natural, human,

power demand, gas is a very valuable

panels, you can covert this surplus of

capital). Gas contributes largely to

solution, besides renewable power.

power into hydrogen or synthetic

economic developments around the

When the wind is blowing and the sun

methane, which can be supplied to the

globe, with an impact on crucial

is shining, you can use the power from

gas grids. Gas enables flexibility and

industries reliant on the reliable and

renewable sources. However, when the

sustainability by itself and plays a

flexible use of gas in their processes.

wind is not blowing and the sun is not

crucial role in the future of the global

Hence, society also benefits from

shining, you can use the power from

energy system. This is the real value of

employment and useful products due

gas. Gas and renewable energy can

gas,” explains Pierre Bartholomeus.

to gas. The third point is that we need

work together in a cost efficient way.

solution

to

stimulate

the

to recognize that natural gas is the “When we look at the role gas plays in

cleanest fossil fuel, and it can also help

Mobility is the fifth point. We see there

the energy transition, there are six

the world overcome the dependency

are many opportunities to supply

main important points that we have to

on polluting fuels such as coal, wood

natural gas to the mobility sector. For

take into account. The first one is

and dung.

example, you can use LNG to run small

14 | NRG Magazine edition 8

Cover story: DNV KEMA

© Copyright DNV KEMA

trucks

and

boats;

more

roundabout in Europe, you create

there is an increased need in flexible

environmentally friendly than diesel.

more flexibility, more transparency,

gas fired power generation due to the

We can convert engines to run on

and you connect markets together.

need for power for mobile applications

natural gas, and save CO2 emissions

This stimulates the competition, for

(e.g. phones, tablets), electrical vehicles

and avoid the emission of small

making sure gas is reasonably priced

and the growth of renewable power

particles. Also, when you add biogas,

and it ensures the security of supply.

(e.g. wind and solar). To meet these

you can run trucks and boats on

Also, the value of working together,

demands gas is needed. Around the

sustainable

gases.

LNG

is

we

across countries, to create an integrated

globe we see gas makes an impact in

support car and engine manufacturers.

Nowadays,

energy system to bring value to the

the current and future energy system

The reason behind this is that gas has

European and world population is

on its way to sustainability. This

different specifications, depending on

extremely important,” explains Pierre

becomes more and more accepted by

its source (e.g. natural gas from the

Bartholomeus.

customers, industries and governments

Groningen field is different from the

.

around the world. We think that gas is

gas produced in the Urengoy field in

Regarding the evolution of the gas

hot nowadays, and will remain crucial

Russia). As you can see, you need a lot

market in the next decades, Pierre

in our future.”

of knowledge to use natural gas in a

Bartholomeus elaborates: “I think gas

very efficient way, and to use its

market demand levels will be high in

strengths properly. The sixth point is

the next decades. On the one hand,

affordability. If you want to ensure the

there is a decline in the North Western

security of supply, you have to make

Europe residential market due to

sure the affordability of the energy

energy efficiency measurements, like

sources you use is in line with the

isolation

expectations. If you look at the gas

condensing boilers. On the other hand,

or

using

high-efficiency

NRG Magazine edition 8 | 15

Cover story: Gasunie

Gas, a Sine Qua Non in the Sustainable Energy Mix of the Future Gasunie is prepared for the transition period. The company has performed a strategy update in anticipation of the trends in the dynamic gas market. Gasunie is ready to tackle the obstacles on the journey to sustainability. “Our strategy is based on our current strong position in Europe as an independent cross-border gas infrastructure company. We want to be seen as a responsible neighbour, a transparent network owner and operator and an innovative contributor to the development of a sustainable energy mix,” says Paul van Gelder, Chief Executive Officer of Gasunie.

Paul van Gelder, CEO and Chairman of the Board at N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie

“N

atural gas is a vital part

is creating awareness among politicians

Power-To-Gas and Small Scale LNG,

of the energy mix, not

and in society that gas is a sine qua non

together with green gas producers and

only now, but also in

in the transition and in the low carbon

partners like Greenpeace Energy, Shell

the future. It is the cleanest of all fossil

energy mix of the future. The low

and Gazprom. The company is also

fuels and it enables us to use sustainable

prices for carbon dioxide and the fact

contributing

energy sources like wind and sun

that the European Emission Trading

infrastructure that enables gas to play

whenever they are available, while

System (ETS) is failing right now are

this crucial role in the sustainable

keeping our energy supply as a whole

obstacles

energy mix of the future,” remarks the

stable in case they are not available.

competition

We can always rely on gas,” explains

cleanest fossil fuel and other, more

Paul van Gelder.

polluting fossil fuels like coal. How to

Gasunie and Vopak are partners in the

that

lead

between

to gas

a

severe as

the

to

a

European

gas

Gasunie CEO.

tackle this? Gasunie puts a lot of energy

state-of-the-art

Gasunie is fully engaged in tackling the

in stakeholder management and in

terminal. This collaboration enables

transition

period

facility,

Gate

The

cooperation with partners with the

the two companies to contribute to the

company cooperates with other parties

same vision. Together we try to make a

safeguarding of natural gas in the

in the industry in order to conquer the

difference and create the necessary

form of LNG in northwest Europe.

obstacles that a changing energy

awareness. Gasunie is focusing on the

“Gate is an important pillar in the gas

market puts forth: “The main challenge

development of green gas projects,

roundabout. It contributes to both our

16 | NRG Magazine edition 8

challenges.

LNG

Cover story: Gasunie

© Copyright Gasunie

Gate terminal is a state-of-the-art facility for receiving and unloading LNG carriers and LNG storage in the Port of Rotterdam

energy

market

contribute tremendously to improving

unacceptable. The answer is an energy

functioning, because it diversifies the

security

the quality of the environment,” notes

mix with renewables and gas.”

number of supply routes for this part

Paul van Gelder. According to the Chief

“We will focus on all projects and

of Europe. Gas can be shipped to Gate

Executive Officer of Gasunie, the world

partnerships that will attract flows to

from all over the world. Moreover, gas

still has enough gas reserves that can

our

creates interesting opportunities for

be mined: “Global reserves of natural

successfully

new developments such as ‘small scale

gas are likely to last for around another

roundabout

LNG’. LNG as a transport fuel is

250

are

security of supply, a liquid gas market

regarded as the solution for the

making it possible to extract gas from

and pricing. We have to look at this

transport

be

very small fields and from different

from a European point of view.

confronted with stringent EU emission

rock layers in an economically viable

Infrastructure is a business field with a

requirements

onwards.

way. We expect gas demand to rise in

clear European character,” says Paul

Gasunie and Vopak are planning to

the Eastern part of Europe. Gas

van Gelder while discussing plans for

build an independent, open access LNG

demand in Western Europe, including

the future of Gasunie.

Break Bulk terminal that will break

the Netherlands, will decline over time.

sector, from

and

which 2015

will

years.

New

technologies

natural

gas

market

area.

functioning is

important

A gas

for

the

.

down LNG into smaller quantities for further distribution over land and

Nevertheless, capacity demand could

water. The new terminal is planned

still increase because of the role of gas

adjacent to Gate terminal and both

as a flexibility provider in the energy

terminals will be connected by pipeline.

mix. The most important step we have

In this way LNG can be used as a clean

to take is to improve the European ETS.

alternative

The increase in the use of coal for

transport

fuel.

By

substituting oil and diesel, LNG will

power

generation

is

simply NRG Magazine edition 8 | 17

Cover story: ROSEN

ROSEN Supports Changing Infrastructures ROSEN is empowered by technology. Active for over thirty years, ROSEN is continuously aiming to be the world’s most competitive provider of corresponding products and services especially around the integrity continuation of complex engineering structures like oil and gas pipelines and plant and infrastructure facilities. “ROSEN is not producing or transporting energy, but makes sure that the infrastructures used for producing and transporting energy operate in a safe manner. We look into the future and try to see what is needed for this sustainable energy transition, which installations are necessarily needed and how we can safeguard the integrity of these installations. We come from a different angle, not from generating energy but ensuring that the transport and storage of energy are done in a safe manner,” says Erik Cornelissen, Executive General Manager and Vice President at ROSEN Europe BV. Erik Cornelissen, Executive General Manager and Vice President at ROSEN Europe BV

W

ith an impressive variety of

two

state-of-the art, self deve-

portfolio proves the success of this

years.

Our

current

product

inspection technology to detect stress corrosion

cracking

coating

loped products, ranging

long-term vision. Their development

disbondment

from a variety of high end inspection

started five-ten years ago with this

corrosion cracking can be a major

equipment

with

pipelines.

Stress

sensor

vision behind it. It requires market

threat to transmission pipelines that

technologies, integrity management

expertise and visionary competences to

are

software, to a wide range of auxiliary

anticipate what will happen in the

mechanisms, and the consequences of

equipment

location

market ten-fifteen years from now. It is

possible

transmitter), ROSEN is capable of

our challenge to define the right

catastrophic. This type of cracks is

providing

for

products to develop. That is the

difficult to detect with conventional

existing and future infrastructures.

competitive edge we give as a company.

inspection technologies. Our EMAT

(e.g.

latest

on

and

tool

high-quality

services

“There is not one product that we are

susceptible

to

pipeline

such failure

corrosion can

be

(Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer)

not proud of. We have a certain

Our extensive in-house R&D develops

inspection tool took a long time to

philosophy. ROSEN is a family owned

own

us

develop and is now finally being used

company with a very long-term vision.

independent of third parties. By doing

to service our clients. The lead time to

Because we are independent from

so, we grow organically, not by

develop was close to ten years, and still

third parties, we can develop products

acquisition. An example of high-end

we are pushing this development in

and services and do not necessarily

products that we developed with such

order to optimise its performance. This

need return on investment in one or

long-term

technology is not available at other

18 | NRG Magazine edition 8

products,

vision

that

behind

makes

it

is

an

Cover story: ROSEN

© Copyright ROSEN Europe BV

vendors in the market,” explains Erik

management philosophy behind it. If

R&D we are extremely well positioned

Cornelissen.

safe

you inspect a pipeline you can do it at

in the market to find the desired

operation of pipelines and other

Reliable

a low or at a very accurate level by

engineering solutions for such complex

infrastructures and the detection or

pushing the boundaries of the existing

integrity related issues.”

monitoring of possible threats are

technologies to a higher level. This is

As plans for the future of ROSEN are

some of the challenges that infra-

also a continuous challenge for both

concerned,

structures are facing on the way to a

ROSEN and the market. We are not

“There is a lot of maintenance and

more

sustainable

and

Cornelissen

notes:

Erik

only developing new products, we are

integrity work to be done on existing

Cornelissen remarks: “For instance,

also trying to stay ahead with the

and

windmills

existing products.

engineering

from

future.

Erik

wind

farms.

The

inspection for the blades is challenging,

future

pipelines structures.

and Also,

other the

.

renewable energy is coming up; which

and could be a future focus of ROSEN.

Another

to

creates many new market opportunities

You need to design or develop new

inspect and clean pipelines that were

and challenges. We just need to ensure

inspection technologies to do this

not built to be inspected or cleaned.

the right selection of future markets

properly. It is not always easy to access

New

and products.”

installations;

designed

therefore

monitoring

ongoing

pipelines for

challenge

are

now

is

usually

accommodating

an

these critical installations is extremely

inspection tool. Many of the old

important. If you have systems that

pipelines are not designed for that

monitor

purpose

the

integrity

of

the

and

that’s

why

we

are

installations you don’t have to do ad

inventing smart solutions for entering

hoc inspections. So the inspection of

and inspecting these pipelines. All

infrastructures is a major challenge.

these are challenges that can best be

Moreover,

tackled by ROSEN. With our in-house

you

need

an

integrity

NRG Magazine edition 8 | 19

Cover story: EDC

EDC and EDGaR: Innovation with Academic Boost

dr. Bert Wiersema, Business Director of the Groningen Energy and Sustainability Programme (GESP), Managing Director of the Energy Delta Gas Research (EDGaR) and founder of the Energy Delta Convention.

U

© Copyright Pepijn van den Broeke

niversities

have

been

intelligent and very active who bring a

research programme that tries to

preoccupied

with

research

lot of good ideas to the table.”As the

comprehend what the future of gas in

related to the energy field for

EDC has reached its eight edition, the

the Netherlands will be like (e.g. how

decades. In 2004, energy became a

platform is moving to a more European

new gases could be used in our gas

booming topic in the North of the

level.

system). EDGaR is also preoccupied

Netherlands. At that time, the Energy

with how we can create a better

Delta Institute and the Energy Valley

Even though being in charge of the

interface between electricity markets,

Foundation were in their inception.

EDC is quite a task, dr. Wiersema is also

electricity

This was a good reason for the

Managing Director of the Energy Delta

networks. By mixing these systems in

University of Groningen to make

Gas

is

smart and efficient ways, we could use

Energy one of the three overall

dedicated to research aimed to analyse

energy more efficiently. EDGaR not

priorities in education and research,

different scenarios for the future usage

only looks at the Dutch system but also

and

Delta

of gas. It is the belief of dr. Wiersema

to the international system and how

international

to

start

Convention

the

as

Energy

an

Research.

The

programme

networks

and

the

gas

that, in order to solve problems in the

these two systems affect each other. I

platform for knowledge sharing it the

energy

knowledge

think EDGaR is quite important for the

field of energy.

alone is not sufficient and that social

transition of the Dutch energy system

sciences are also necessary. Ideas come

to a more sustainable one. However,

Dr. Bert Wiersema, founder of the EDC

from

cooperation.

research is our main activity and even

platform,

shares

Hence, there is a better chance of

though we already have some concrete

regarding

the

solving

some

beginning

thoughts

multidisciplinary

results on smart sensors, the big questions about how our national

everything

if

people

students

you only look at the electricity and gas

markets and systems will change will

assistants. It has been very nice to work

systems and to the technical aspects

still take a long time to answer,”

with students all these years: young

you won’t change the systems, you also

remarks Bert Wiersema.

people,

need the social sciences. EDGaR is a

very

of

problems

.

from

different disciplines come together. “If

lot

the

technical

convention: “For the first edition I did with

of

field,

enthusiastic,

20 | NRG Magazine edition 8

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Financing Sustainability

Why Gas needs CO2 Pricing A column by Holland Financial Centre

G

as is cleaner than coal while generating electricity: it only emits half of the amount of carbon. However, renewable energy is much better than gas or coal. Renewable energy is preferred not only from a

carbon point of view, but also from an economic (green jobs) and geopolitical (independence) perspective.

In most long-term scenarios developed by numerous institutions, the ultimate goal is non-fossil fuel generation. In order to come to that point, gas is the fossil fuel that fills in the gap during this transition. At the moment this is already happening in the US, where the shale gas revolution has made gas prices competitive with coal and resulted in a shift from coal to gas energy generation. As a result, the carbon emissions of the US are decreasing.

In Europe however, gas is traditionally linked to oil. This makes the coal in Europe the cheapest fossil fuel to run energy plants on. Apart from this, there are many questions around the environmental effects of shale gas that still need to be answered. This will take time and will therefore not lead to price pressure as seen in the US. What is really needed in the transition to sustainable energy is a good CO2 price. The European Emission Trading System (ETS) with its cap and trade system originally resulted in a high CO2 price. This not only makes long-term investments in renewable energy attractive, but it is also good for the transition from coal to gas.

At the moment, the CO2 price within ETS is historically low, due to oversupply caused by the economic downturn combined with over-allocation of emission rights. Structural changes for the ETS system, in order to make it more robust for the future, will take time. That is why the European Commission has proposed a short term solution to ‘set-aside’ a number of emission rights. These emission rights are supposed to be auctioned in 2013, but if you auction less, the price will go up.

.

This proposal is supported by big utility companies but also by Shell. This may be surprising but their reason is exactly as set out before: a higher CO2 price will be supportive for their investments in renewable energy. And in de meantime it stimulates the use of gas.

Gerard van Baar Managing Director Centre for Finance & Sustainability Holland Financial Centre The Holland Financial Centre foundation is a joint public/private venture launched by a number of parties in the financial industry and the government, who have joined together to form a broad-based interest group.

The objective of HFC is to develop initiatives aimed at preserving a strong, open, internationally competitive financial industry in the Netherlands, and to retain existing jobs in the industry and create new ones.

One of the focal points of HFC is Finance & Sustainability. The Centre for Finance & Sustainability started the discussions around the Green Investment Corporation (Groene InvesteringsMaatschappij), initiated the webportal www.FSinsight.org, a platform for discussions on Finance & Sustainability between academia and business. The Centre also commissioned the book Financing Sustainability which can be downloaded at the website of Holland Financial Centre: www.hollandfinancialcentre.com.

NRG Magazine edition 8 | 23

EBN

The importance of Natural Gas in the Netherlands and the role of EBN

Maxine Tillij, Director Corporate Development at EBN

I

© Copyright NAM

n 2010, the Netherlands was the eighth largest producer

system can be made within a decade. I do not think that is

of natural gas in the world. The Netherlands will continue

realistic. A reliable energy system is required and therefore

to be a large consumer and exporter of gas for many

we need the flexible energy source of natural gas to mitigate

years. “In the Dutch E&P industry, EBN participates in most of

intermittent renewable technologies as wind and solar

the upstream operations. When an E&P company acquires a

energy. To illustrate: Also Greenpeace sees a role for gas in its

license to produce oil or gas in the Netherlands, EBN can

scenarios.”

participate for 40% in the investment and the production via a joint venture structure,” explains Maxine Tillij, Director

EBN has to make sure that natural gas plays the role that it

Corporate Development at EBN.

should play in the transition to a sustainable and affordable energy system. “In the past EBN was making sure that its bills

In the coming decade global gas demand will increase. The

were paid on time and that its profits were transferred to the

most important recent shifts in the world gas market are the

state. Nowadays, we combine the above by having a much

shale gas revolution in the US as well as the global expansion

more proactive role with respect to our joint venture

of the LNG market. Maxine Tillij comments: “Because of the

management. These days the gas industry has to be more

increased availability of gas in the US, coal fired generation

open and transparent than in the past to safeguard public

in the US is replaced by gas fired generation. As a consequence

acceptance of natural gas and related projects. EBN is

US coal is being exported to Europe. Relatively cheap coal

cooperating with NOGEPA on this issue and also aims to

combined with a low CO2 price is currently causing a decreased

involve governmental and non-governmental organizations

usage of gas in the European power sector. This seems to

to create a dialogue,” remarks Maxine Tillij. Finally, with

contradict the vision regarding the important role of gas.

projects such as Bergermeer gas storage, which embodies the

However if you look at the enormous energy demand for the

ambition of the Dutch government to become the gas

next 30 to 40 years, it seems obvious that we need all the

roundabout for North-West Europe, EBN maintains its

available resources, including gas. Given the current status of

proactive role in securing a global position for Dutch gas.

technology, I think gas demand will be quite stable in the following decades. There are a lot of energy scenarios and gas plays a role in all of them, even in the greenest scenarios.

Some people think a transition towards a complete renewable

24 | NRG Magazine edition 8

.

NOGEPA

NOGEPA’s Natural Gas Symposium 2012 Advocating Public Acceptance On

September

12th

2012,

top

professionals in the energy sector were brought together at the NOGEPA Natural Gas Symposium in The Hague. The main theme of the symposium was the public acceptance of energy innovation and new technologies. The ideas generated at the symposium will help in the transition to a more sustainable future.

© Copyright NOGEPA

“T

he symposium fits very

in

and

energy. Solar and wind energy, if and

well

transition

Production industry, while stressing the

when competitive, will penetrate the

in

the

the

Dutch

Exploration

period. Public acceptance

importance of public acceptance and

market. Hence, this is not about leaving

is becoming increasingly important.

transparency of processes. In the same

all fossil fuels in the ground because

And this is what we have extensively

line, prof. dr. Linda Steg, from the

they

discussed

symposium.

Department of Psychology at the

development of renewable energy.

Collaboration was also a main topic in

University of Groningen talked about

That is absolutely not the case. Gas

the debates. We will have to go

the public acceptability of different

helps accelerate the transition and

through

during

the

the

transition

are

slowing

down

the

together,”

types of energy. Last but not least, Ron

public acceptance of the role of gas in

explains Jo Peters, Secretary – General

Wit, Head Climate and Energy at the

the transition is extremely important.”

of NOGEPA.

Natuur

The NOGEPA Natural Gas Symposium

&

approached During

the

NOGEPA

Natural

Gas

Milieu policy

Foundation

options

for

a

sustainable future in his presentation.

Symposium, bright minds in the energy Jo Peters: “Often people tell me that

energy scenarios to influences on

fossil is bad and that the Stone Age did

public opinion. Gertjan Lankhorst, CEO

not end because of lack of stones. The

of GasTerra, was one of the keynote

latter is correct. What they mean to tell

speakers of the event. He discussed the

me is that this era will not end because

role of natural gas in the transition to

there are no more fossil fuels, and that

sustainability together with ambitions,

also may be correct. However, the Iron

opportunities and different energy

Age did not emerge because stones

demand

requirements

had been hidden or forbidden. It

scenarios. Mark Dierikx, the Director-

emerged because iron tools proved to

general

and

be a lot better than stone or bronze

Competition, tackled key developments

tools. The same is true for renewable

of

fuel

Energy,

Telecom

efficient

and

thought-provoking

manner.

sector presented and debated from

and

.

managed to tackle this topic in an

NRG Magazine edition 8 | 25

NOGEPA

NOGEPA: Building the Bridge to Sustainability Gas is the fuel that will accelerate the transition to sustainability.

NOGEPA, the Netherlands Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Association, puts emphasis on cooperation, responsible operations and concern for the environment in all its activities. The association was founded in 1974 and since then has managed to maintain a balance among government, oil and gas companies, citizens and the environment. NOGEPA represents companies that posses permits to drill for and produce oil and gas in the Netherlands and from the Dutch continental shelf. © Copyright NOGEPA

“W

future.

future,” remarks Jo Peters. “As

engineering and his impressive work

How long that will take is a matter of

Secretary-General of NOGEPA, I want

experience both in the Netherlands

discussion. Gas is the enabler in the

our organisation to play an important

and overseas definitely prepared him

transition. Since the wind is not

role in building the bridge to

for this high-profile position. He

always blowing and the sun is not

sustainability. We have extensive

graduated from the Technical

always shining, we need a back-up

knowledge about technical issues in

University of Eindhoven in 1983. That

energy provider, and gas is the ideal

the oil and gas industry and we can

very same year he joined Shell

solution. More importantly, in the

help society go towards a sustainable

International in the Netherlands. Jo

Netherlands, we have a lot of it, and

future. And, as a branch organization,

Peters worked for Shell for 28 years,

we have a great infrastructure,”

NOGEPA can play that role even

sixteen of which were abroad in

explains Jo Peters. Cooperation and

better than its individual members.”

countries such as France, Brazil and

communication between companies

the USA. He retired from Shell

and non-governmental organizations

“Different people have different

approximately a year ago. After that,

are vital in the transition period:

estimations for how long gas will last

NOGEPA contacted him to discuss the

“What I would like to see is that oil

in the world. Based on current

position of Secretary – General. “This

and gas companies and NGOs work

demand, it can be 200 years. Based

position was fitting with my

together

sustainable

on increased demand it may be 100

background and my interests, so they

future. Oil and gas companies should

years. The main thing is that we will

made me an offer I could not refuse,”

not say that oil and gas are enough

not run out of gas in the next couple

says Jo Peters.

for the next 200 years and we do not

of decades to come. Therefore, we

need renewable energy for a while.

should take that gas and use it in the

Also, NGOs should not say that fossil

energy transition, because it is the

fuels should be forbidden, for they

perfect

slow down the development of

transition. You could also say that

renewable energy. Going together

gas is the perfect accelerator to fuel

Jo Peters is currently the Secretary - General of NOGEPA. His background in chemical

26 | NRG Magazine edition 8

e are on our way

on the transition road is the quickest

to a sustainable

way

energy

towards

a

towards

fuel

that

to

sustainable

accelerate

the

NOGEPA

© Copyright NOGEPA

“Different people have different estimations for how long gas will last in the world.”

© Copyright NOGEPA

the

Peters.

spot on this globe, thus the government

sustainability bridge. It will take a long

Regarding finding a solution to high

transition,”

says

Jo

will have to ensure that companies are

time before we are fully independent

demands by using new sources of gas,

still interested in exploring that gas

of fossil fuels. In order to supply the

such as natural gas from shale, or from

(e.g. small gas fields). Consequentially,

energy to meet the demands of the

exploring small gas fields, Jo Peters

the government has to make the offer

growing world population, fossil fuels

remarks: “If any part of natural gas can

attractive enough for companies. That

will be required for decades to come.

be developed in an environmentally

is a challenge that I see particularly for

However, this is not something that

and economically acceptable manner,

small gas fields,” explains Jo Peters.

stops renewable energy. Both fossil

then it can be part of the gas market.”

.

fuels and renewable energy are needed Moreover, NOGEPA practices what it

in

NOGEPA is also aware of the challenges

preaches.

accelerate that transition.”

on the way to becoming CO2 neutral.

excellent relationship with its partners.

The association also puts considerable

“EBN is a partner and we work together

effort in making sure its activities have

very well. They have a participation in

continuous concern for the well-being

all the gas developments in the

of society. Jo Peters: “The gas industry

Netherlands, but they are never the

is part of society. The government,

operator. The operators are always

companies and citizens are a single

NOGEPA members,” says Jo Peters

The

association

has

an

the

transition.

Gas

will

help

concern; society is all of them together.

So, whatever is done in the gas industry

“As future plans are concerned, we will

has to be acceptable for society.” In

continue to work on positioning the oil

this respect, NOGEPA is faced with

and gas industry in society. This will be

several

public

supported from a technical point of

acceptance is needed and it is still a

challenges.

view by making sure that our members

challenge.

Secondly,

“First,

getting

share best practices, adhering to the

increasingly difficult to find gas and

it

is

highest safety standards. But we will

extract it. The Netherlands is just one

also do the utmost to help build the

NRG Magazine edition 8 | 27

Vermilion Energy

Vermilion Energy invests in the Small Gas Fields of the Netherlands Gas plays a key role in the energy transition. “Natural gas can help the developments of other technologies and give them the time and space to be able to deliver that future energy source that we need down the road,” says Neil Wallace, General Manager of Vermilion Oil & Gas Netherlands B.V. Vermilion Energy has a significant position in the exploitation and production industry in the Netherlands and in the world. The company specializes in the production of gas from small gas fields and contributes to meeting gas demand requirements on the road to sustainability.

Neil Wallace, General Manager of Vermilion Oil & Gas Netherlands B.V.

“W

e

global

exploiting opportunities are too small

the most current technologies that

company, investing

are

a

for larger entities. I think the main

minimize the footprint of our activities

in

five

different

challenge in exploiting gas from both

on the environment. But, the main

Canada,

Australia,

small and large gas fields is public

factor in managing our environmental

Ireland, France and the Netherlands).

acceptance.

clearly

impact is having skilled, trained people

We are a company with a mandate to

what the benefits are to the community

who know what is expected of them

safely and responsibly generate value

that hosts the activity is a challenge for

and their jobs. They make sure that the

for our stakeholders, through continual

gas exploitation in general. Regarding

operations are done in a responsible,

investment globally and specifically in

our activities, I have to mention that

efficient manner. You can call that

the Netherlands,” explains the General

the pipeline systems and the gas

technology, but, in fact, it is just putting

Manager of Vermilion Oil & Gas. Neil

processing plants were already in place

the

Wallace tackles the particularities of

when we started. We are not always

backgrounds in the right places on

exploiting small gas fields: “There are

building new pipelines and plants, but

site.”

actually less differences between small

we try to reuse what is already there.

and large gas fields exploitation than

That helps from an economic point of

Vermilion Energy started its activities

one might think.

Some of the

view, and it also helps minimize our

in the Netherlands in 2004. Since then,

differences come from the fact that we

environmental footprint.” Neil Wallace

the company has operated with the

are smaller in nature and we have a

explains

utmost consideration for safety and

smaller corporate overhead; a lot of

company’s human capital: “We apply

countries

(i.e.

28 | NRG Magazine edition 8

the

Communicating

importance

of

the

right

people

the environment.

with

the

right

Vermilion Energy

© Copyright Jan de Lange

Vermilion Energy, Vinkega 2 well site – 2012 drill campaign

“The Netherlands is a core investment

future energy requirements. Gas also

knowledge across the global energy

for Vermillion. It is a good place to do

provides the backdrop against some of

industry will continue and accelerate.

business for us. We are planning on

the alternative energies, so that these

The Netherlands will be a key hub for

continuing to reinvest a significant

can have the time and space to develop

energy, and specifically gas supply in

portion of our existing cash flow from

the next generation of energy. The

the next coming decades,” explains

this operation in developing drilling

bottom line is that we need to

Neil Wallace.

and improving our production base,”

encourage

remarks Neil Wallace.

developments.

all

kinds Gas

of

alone

energy is

.

not

sufficient, and I think it is healthy to “Historically,

gas

an

look at partnerships in all kinds of

important role, in the development of

energy; renewables and gas moving

the Netherlands, and it will continue to

into the future, together. It is always

play an important role. A lot of people

important to have a mix of all types of

use the term of ‘bridging as a transition

energy supply in the energy basket at

fuel’ when referring to gas. I would

any

agree with that. I think natural gas is

requirement for energy doesn’t go

required for the growth of the Dutch

away. I think that the market will get

economy

the

more and more global in nature. The

country’s infrastructure in terms of

energy supply and the transition of

and

for

has

played

sustaining

given

time.

Moreover,

the

NRG Magazine edition 8 | 29

Rational Middle

Rational

Will gas continue to be source in the ne

Yes There is an abundant supply of and an expected growing demand for natural gas, although its role will change. The planet’s remaining resources of natural gas are easily large enough to cover any conceivable rate of increase in demand through to 2030 and well beyond (World Energy Outlook 2009). Proven natural gas reserves at the end of 2011 totalled 208 trillion cubic meters, which would last, with current production rates, about 64 years. The reserves have grown around 3% each year. With production also growing, the reserve-to-production ratio has stayed within the range of 58 to 68 years since 1985. New mining techniques for unconventional gas were a major development. Now this type of gas represents almost half of the presently known gas reserves. By using advanced techniques first tight gas and now shale gas can be produced.

The world’s demand for natural gas is expected to grow. In The Netherlands gas now supplies 39% of the total energy demand (inc. international transport). I expect a significant change in the use of gas. Gas is a high-grade source of energy and chemicals. It has a high energy density and is easy to store and transport with the existing infrastructure. Almost 40% of the gas used in the Netherlands now goes into heating of buildings. Where the gas used by households has already halved over the last 30 years. I also expect that the gas used for heating to further be reduced in the future due to better building isolation as well as growing application of alternatives, such as heat pumps. In electricity production gas will be needed in the next decades as a relatively clean fossil

Hester Bijl

fuel, and gas fired power plants are attractive as a back-up for intermittent renewable energy sources as wind and solar.

In transport, I anticipate the role of gas to grow, as it is a relatively clean fuel. Also gas as basis for transport fuels (LNG) and plastics production will play a larger role.

.

If gas will remain a major contributor to our energy demand, we need to address the CO2 emissions problem. New technologies to reduce emissions and further develop CCS are then urgently needed.

Professor of Computational Fluid Dynamics at Delft University of Technology, head of the © Copyright Schoonwille Fotografie Fastfoto

Department of Aerodynamics, Wind Energy and Flight Performance and Propulsion, chair of the Delft Energy Initiative and member of the Supervisory Board of the Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN).

30 | NRG Magazine edition 8

Middle

Rational Middle

e an important energy next 40 years?

No It is probably uncontested that gas will remain important in our future energy system. But, the role of natural gas as we know it now will change dramatically: a true paradigm shift.

In our current energy system, natural gas is an important energy source. In this paradigm, gas is used to generate electricity, it is used for space heating, it is used as a transportation fuel and it fulfils a role in providing the building blocks for our (petro)chemical industry. In the next 40 years, we will see two shifts. First, a shift towards a more dedicated use of different types of gases. Second, a shift from natural gas as a multi-purpose energy source to gas as an energy carrier.

While conventional natural gas resources decline, and although at the same time, new, unconventional gas resources are produced and some biogas is produced, the use of this natural gas will not be so abundant and ubiquitous as we observe now. Natural gas as transportation fuel will, for example, be replaced by electric vehicles and possibly hydrogen (fuel cell) vehicles. Also, the gasification of organic and fossil resources (biomass, coal) results in the production of synthesis gas, a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, which is a direct building block for many (petro)chemical pathways, yielding natural gas obsolete as a key building block. Natural gas that is currently used to heat spaces is already being replaced in some places by (district) heat systems, which makes much more sense from an energetic point of view.

Although the second shift from natural gas as an energy source to natural gas as an energy carrier is subtle, it does open up pathways in which we could use (synthetic natural)

.

gas, SNG or other gases as a buffer in an increasingly electric world where large-scale intermittent electricity production needs to be buffered. Finally, the trends we observe towards

Paulien Herder

large global transportations of CNG, fit in the paradigm shift of gas as an energy source, to gas as an energy carrier.

Professor of Engineering Systems Design in Energy & Industry at the Department of Technology, Policy and Management at Delft University of Technology, primarily engaged with the design of large-scale complex systems in which both the technology and the

Š Copyright Top Shot

institutional embedding play a role and one of the scientific directors of the international research consortium ‘Next Generation Infrastructures’.

NRG Magazine edition 8 | 31

Saving energy at the source with Cofely GDF Suez

E

verything we transform costs

past,

new

do not have the knowledge and

energy. And if we want to put

buildings accounted for most of the

construction

costs

for

expertise and could work more closely

the environment on the first

invested capital. Nowadays it is the

with technical service providers or

place, we must make savings at the

technical equipment. And rightly so!

consultants (e.g. Cofely GDF Suez).

source. Innovative developments for

Also, increasing attention is given to

improving yield continue to be made

the

and if we work together on these

installations. Well-made investments

the

investments, we can save a great deal

pay off. Moreover, the government

Environment, Laborelec and Tractebel

of energy.

could play a supporting role here. If

divisions are also affiliated. One of the

we

policy

strengths of the GDF Suez group lies

Nonetheless, you gain a greater yield

objectives on energy saving that have

in conceiving solutions in the energy,

when you build new installations. But,

been agreed on at European level,

oil and gas industries.

how to meet the various requirements

then especially the government will

with as little energy as possible? In the

have to assess this. Local authorities

life

want

cycle

to

of

buildings

achieve

the

and

Cofely is part of GDF Suez, to which GDF

Suez

generations,

Suez

.

The GDF Suez group is continuously working on the development of energy-saving concepts for from non-residential buildings and offices to schools and hospitals:

•

Thermal energy storage in the ground.

•

Space management systems, using spaces efficiently. This allows us to significantly reduce building movements,

maintenance and energy consumption.

•

Power quality – electronic equipment is causing increasing disruption to the network.

•

Use of home automation, flexibility in hospitals, care centres. Making optimum use of technological developments.

For the energy, oil and gas, chemistry, and food market sectors, the GDF Suez group provides:

•

Efficient maintenance programmes, preventing contamination of systems, boilers, condensers, blades in

turbines. This leads to less consumption of energy sources.

•

Developing concepts for the bio-based economy and renewable energy.

•

Advice on energy saving for large companies. Assisting with applications for subsidies in this field (e.g. using

residual products for generating alternative energy).

Innovative development in the field of maintenance. Modelling based on minimum maintenance and optimum

•

performance by heat generating installations.

Written by André Timmermans

Cofely GDF Suez can help you get way ahead in sustainable technology.

32 | NRG Magazine edition 8

North Sea countries forge alliance to build energy knowledge base

S

cotland, Norway (Rogaland), Northern Germany (Ems-

After intensive negotiations with the European Commission,

Achse) and Northern Netherlands (Energy Valley) have

a € 3 million grant was awarded from the European Union’s

formed a unique alliance called ENSEA (European

Seventh

North Sea Energy Alliance) to develop a knowledge base for

Framework

Programme

for

Research

and

Technological Development (FP7).

the energy transition. All of these North Sea countries possess specific expertise, thus bringing not only cooperation but

Kick-off on October 8th in Papenburg

knowledge diversity into the alliance. The collaboration

The project was officially launched at Forum Alte Werft in

between Europe’s leading players in the production and

Papenburg, on October 8th 2012. High profile guests attended

transport of natural gas and electricity (Energy Valley), the

the event, among them: David McAllister, the Prime Minister

exploration of oil and gas (Scotland), sustainable energy

of the Federal State of Niedersachsen, Max van den Berg,

(Niedersachsen) and in supplying clean energy (Rogaland)

Royal Commissioner of Groningen, Janne Johnsen, Federal

allows for a knowledge base to be built on the integration of

State President of Rogaland and Hans Peter Beck, Chairman

conventional and sustainable energy resources together

of the Energie Forschung Zentrum Niedersachsen.

with their application. The alliance was dubbed “Region of

Energy transition

Knowledge” by the European Union.

The term “energy transition” refers to the process of transition from energy supply based on fossil fuels to more

Scottish, Norwegian and Northern German partners

sustainable energy production, for instance, by using wind or solar energy or by applying biomass. ENSEA has been created

The Energy Valley Foundation sought collaboration with knowledge

institutes,

governments

and

the

to help in the transition period.

business

communities in Scotland, Norway and Northern Germany.

ENERGY FOR LIFE ENERGY FOR BUSINESS

Energy Valley

“Energy Valley Foundation aims to boost the energy business in the northern part of the Netherlands with a strong focus on innovation of the conventional energy sector and another strong focus on renewables. The basic idea behind the foundation was to find a new paradigm for the economy in this part of Europe. Because there was already a gas industry and because all the conditions were good for choosing the energy sector, we have founded Energy Valley,” says Gerrit van Werven, Director and founder of Energy Valley Foundation.

Gerrit van Werven, Director and founder of Energy Valley Foundation

© Copyright Jan Buwalda Fotografie

ENERGY FOR LIFE

Energy Valley

Developing Sustainability in the North of the Netherlands

T

he role of natural gas in the

together, ideas about how to move,

material of one factory can be the

transition

period

is

very

what to do, which investments. The

feedstock for another factory.”

important

topic

for

a

Energy

conference is a real necessity, because

Valley Foundation. Gerrit van Werven:

it gathers all the ideas about how to

The

“Gas is widely seen as an excellent

create a sustainable energy society

contribution to helping the labour

transition fuel, because it is relatively

with the knowhow from the gas

market in the North, through its

clean. Also, if you look at the quotas

sector.”

education and training programmes

of gas, you know you have a grid, you

foundation

provided

by

has

Energy

a

distinct

College

and

have pipelines, you can send it quite

Energy Valley Foundation is also active

Energy Academy. “Education in the

easily, and you can mix it with

in several projects. Under its goal to

energy field is one way of helping the

hydrogen, so gas is also an excellent

stimulate innovation in several energy

labour market. At the moment, we

transition fuel. Therefore, gas is an

themes, the foundation is preoccupied,

have an investment programme for all

ideal fuel for the ‘in between’ time,

among others with Energy Transition

the companies in our area. The

between

Parks, Heat Distribution Networks

investment is around € 25 billion and

renewable energy. With respect to the

and,

projects

this is one of the largest investment

evolution of the gas market, I expect

dedicated to gas (e.g. Green Gas

schemes in the energy field in Europe.

that gas demand will be maintained at

Hubs). Director and founder Gerrit van

All these investments lead to factories,

high levels in the next 30 to 40 years.

Werven: “The Energy Transition Parks

to power plans, to installations and all

Of course, renewable energy will grow

project is a nice concept; you could say

these factories and installation need

slowly, but I foresee a rise in the

it’s an industrial ecology, because you

trained people to work. Hence, we

energy demand in the world. Hence,

use, for example, heat that would

need a lot of people and that means

although the share of renewables will

otherwise be wasted for the processes

that we have to educate them,”

increase, the demand for gas will

of other industries. I can give you a

explains Gerrit van Werven.

increase as well.”

nice example: there is an area, a

nowadays

and

full-scale

of

course,

several

business park where a lot of waste is

“The next step for Energy Valley

Gerrit van Werven also comments on

being burned, so we made a proposal

Foundation will be to bring it to the

the Energy Delta Convention initiative

not to burn the waste but to use it in a

European level. In October 2012, the

and its connection to the role gas:

useful way by creating energy. Also,

prime minister of Lower Saxony did

“What we tried to do with the

what you can do is use the gas, which

the kickoff for the Energy North Sea

convention is to create a platform

is a form of green gas from the waste.

Project. This will be a way to work

where all kind of knowledge about

If you clean this green gas, you can

together to find solutions for the

innovation for the gas sector and the

inject it in the grid. At the same time,

challenges that are ahead of us and

transition

to

a

the heat is being used for the industrial

we will do so by using money from the

processes of new industries and those

European Union,” says Gerrit van

has the basic purpose of bringing

industries can deliver their waste

Werven.

people

material to each other. Thus, the waste

together,

more

.

sustainable

society is exchanged. I think the EDC bringing

ideas

ENERGY FOR BUSINESS

Energy Academy Europe

We need young and motivated people to make it work.

Energy Academy Europe the Center of Excellence for Energy Education, Energy Research and Energy Innovation.

Training and degrees are offered in a top research environment. One of the top research projects is the development of plastic solar cells.

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Energy Academy Europe

Our society urgently needs a transition to a sustainable energy system.

VTTI is one of the world’s fastest growing energy storage companies

From its foundation in 2006, VTTI builds, owns and operates oil terminals in strategic locations around the world, serving the energy industry by linking oil flows in a safe, efficient and profitable manner. Active in 14 countries, VTTI offers 8.5 million cubic meters of storage.

We strive to conceive and operate facilities in harmony with the environment and take all necessary measures to achieve this. For our new builds, top priority is given to installing state of the art technology such as vapour treatment systems, odour treatment and contaminated waste water treatment units. We have acquired thorough experience in upgrading brownfield installations and are continuing to invest heavily in bringing acquisitions up to exacting standards demanded by our industry.

The high calibre of our team is complemented by a rigid regard in every area of safety, product quality and our concern for the environment.

VTTI K.P. van der Mandelelaan 130 P.O. Box 1546, 3062 MB Rotterdam Phone: +31 10 4987 351 Email: info@vtti.com Website: www.vtti.com

Four Provinces

Energy Valley Northern Netherlands From regional initiative to European frontrunner

T

he Dutch provinces of Drenthe,

the most initiatives in the field of

involvement of companies, local and

Fryslân, Groningen and Noord-

biogas, solar and heating networks.

regional authorities and knowledge

Holland have a strong and

Companies, knowledge institutes and

institutions. As formal network entity,

innovative energy position. As Energy

governments work closely together to

the Energy Valley Platform has over

Valley region they play a key role in the

create a sustainable energy economy

200 members.

Dutch energy economy. Almost the

and new green jobs. Currently there

entire domestic natural gas production

are over 3,000 companies en 22,500

The Energy Valley cluster works closely

(over 58.5 billion cubic metres per year)

employees in the Northern energy

together with the energy cluster in

and one third of the large scale power

cluster. The energy investments exceed

north-west Germany. So that companies

production is concentrated in this area.

€ 25 billion in the coming decade.

can act together on pan-European

The

These

energy issues and collaborate with

region

is

also

strategically

investments

are

closely

positioned, in the centre of the

interrelated and form a powerful

other

European gas and power grid, directly

European energy machine. This makes

complementary

bordering the North Sea, with excellent

energy in the Northern Netherlands

knowledge

harbour facilities for transport of raw

not only an important engine for the

position

materials

and

offshore

wind

member

states.

The

energy

structure,

within

the

and

clusters,

the

central

EU

energy

Dutch economy, but also a leading

infrastructure

developments.

player in Europe.

location on the North Sea offer the

the

strategic

The Energy Valley region also plays a

Energy Valley Cluster

major

The northern energy cluster has a good

necessary ingredients to become a role

in

the

transition

to

sustainable energy. The region boasts

level

of

organisation

with

“European

Region

on

Energy

Excellence”.

active

GRONINGEN

DRENTHE

Deputy Wilma Mansveld

Deputy Tanja Klip-Martin

“The province of Groningen sees

“Green Gas is an enormous

many opportunities in the

opportunity for the bio - based

development of Offshore Wind

economic growth in the

energy from the Eemshaven. This

province of Drenthe. It is not a

harbour has plenty of space, is

coincidence that green gas is

easy accessible and has a great

one of the strong points of the

strategic placement for the wind

Northern Netherlands.”

parks on the North Sea.”

Four Provinces

FOCUS: The Art of Choosing

excel in Europe. These top themes are:

the

The Northern Netherlands region has a

- (Green) Gas Roundabout

collaboration is taking place between

key role in the Dutch energy policy. The

- Power Production & Balancing

the

main goal is the transition to a

- Bio Based Energy

relevant energy companies, institutes

sustainable energy economy through a

- Decentralised Energy Systems

and initiatives in other regions in the

power

of

northern

the energy

North.

Close

cluster

and

.

Netherlands and Europe. The focus on

strong interaction between traditional and new energy options. In this way

These are national themes that are

these top themes strengthens the

energy and climate aims and economic

strongly interconnected and anchored

innovative, sustainable energy industry

growth can go hand in hand. This

in the region around a core of

to allow the Netherlands to lead the

demands a strong focus and integral

Education, Research & Development in

way in Europe.

approach on regional top themes

the Energy Academy Europe and

through which the Netherlands can

Energy College. Together they form

Regional Top Themes Focus in the Energy Transition

FRYSLÂN

NOORD-HOLLAND

Deputy Hans Konst

Deputy Jaap Bond

“Solar Energy is one of the

“The cooperation with and within the

main themes in the province of

Energy Valley region contributes to the

Fryslân. We want to produce 50

development of Noord-Holland into an

MW by the end of 2015. Solar

area of innovation, specifically in biomass

energy is an affordable and

gasification and Green Gas. The recently

green alternative for small

installed Energy Board aims to develop the

consumers, such as citizens,

Netherlands Expertise Centre for Biomass

farmers and SMEs.”

Gasification.”

NRG Magazine edition 8 | 39

The Netherlands Water Partnership

The Netherlands Water Partnership: Supporting the Dutch Water Sector “The Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) is focused on bringing organisations together. By doing this, we strengthen the international position of the Dutch Water Sector. We can support the positioning of the Dutch brand in the international water scene. We also create a good environment for innovation and combining that with human capital. You can think of great plans, but if you do not have enough qualified people, in the end, you won’t realize them,” remarks Aleid Diepeveen, Director Business Development at the Netherlands Water Partnership.

Aleid Diepeveen, Director Business Development at the Netherlands Water Partnership

T and

he NWP plays a key role in

water and energy. For instance, Wetsus

Netherlands Water Sector related to

facilitating innovation and new

is working on the development of blue

the topic? Who might be the right

developments in the water field

energy. This is a very good example of

partners for working on this topic? Our

in

Aleid

membrane technology developed in

task is to identify the right projects, the

connection

the water industry and that can also be

right players and the right stakeholders.

the

Diepeveen between

energy

tackles the

sector.

the

Water

used for energy production. Moreover,

We

Partnership and the energy sector:

Netherlands

at the European level and in the world,

technological

projects

“I think the connection is something

a lot more has to be done to make

because

are

that has to be developed in the coming

processes

The

organisation. Of course, we are up to

years, both in the Netherlands and in

Netherlands can go worldwide with its

date about the evolution of the

Europe. Of course, there is a strong

smart solutions from the water and

projects, especially the success stories,

connection already from the past,

energy sectors.”

so that we can sell them to the

more

sustainable.

technology and production wise, as

are

not we

doing a

research

or

ourselves, networking

Netherlands and to the world. And if

you need energy to produce water,

“The role of NWP, as a networking

there is a failure, then we take the

and water is consumed for energy

organization

is

suggestions back to the government

production. Innovation and stimulating

identified as being very important, to

and discuss how we can do things

innovation can also come from the

find out: What needs to be done?

differently in the future,” explains

cross-sector

What

Aleid Diepeveen.

cooperation

40 | NRG Magazine edition 8

between

are

is,

the

once

a

ambitions

topic

of

the

The Netherlands Water Partnership

The Nereda Water treatment technology is one of the latest innovations in the water sector. The new technology reduces the consumption of energy and chemicals needed for waste water treatment. Photo courtesy of Royal HaskoningDHV The Director Business Development at

companies and other organizations, a

enable companies to go to the US,

NWP also comments on the necessity of

stewardship. This is a tool for companies

where the market for shale gas is

measuring what a company uses and

to measure their consumption of

growing, with challenges for water.

what it puts back into the environment:

water, energy and CO2 emissions.

We connect companies that have

“The

is

Discussions have started, and the

solutions

important. It is essential to know where

industry is working on tools for

companies

water is consumed and where energy is

accounting for water and energy

might be interested in their solutions.

consumed. And in many cases you see

footprint.”

So we are closer to building the

monitoring

of

processes

that the usage of water is directly

for

such

and

never

future, we see that our networking

because

you find out certain trends that you

role is changing. Now, we see that we

organisation.”

were expecting, and there are always

have to become help agents and

some trends that you do not expect.

support partners to make the next

Then you start learning more and

step. For example, last year, we started

optimizing processes. In line with this,

working

the European Water Partnership has

Sustainable Process Technology (ISPT)

developed,

on developing strategies that would

other

organizations

that

.

“Regarding the NWP plans for the

you start monitoring your processes

with

with

projects. However, in the end, we will

linked to energy consumption. Once

together

problems

with

the

Institute

do

the we

projects

are

a

ourselves, networking

for

NRG Magazine edition 8 | 41

Waterbedrijf Groningen

Experience, Drive, Integrity: Waterbedrijf Groningen. The publicly owned company has been safeguarding water interests since 1878 and is not showing any signs of slowing down. On the contrary, Waterbedrijf Groningen is preparing the province of Groningen for a more sustainable future. Besides providing reliable drinking water, being environmentally friendly in its water extraction and distribution activities and investing 0.5% of its annual turnover in solving water problems abroad, the company is also very active in Energy and Water projects. Theo Venema, Project Manager Energy & Water and Koos Lamme, Manager Energy & Water at Waterbedrijf Groningen explain how their company is also safeguarding energy interests.

Koos Lamme (left), Manager Energy & Water and Theo Venema (right) Project Manager Energy & Water

42 | NRG Magazine edition 8

Waterbedrijf Groningen

Waterbedrijf Groningen: The Future of Energy and Water

C

neutral in the country. And it all starts

system is one of the projects the

Affordable Housing for Students

Waterbedrijf Groningen Energy

“In Groningen, there is a constant need

consumption in the Netherlands. Theo

& Water activities are focused on. Theo

for housing for students and other

Venema: “40% of our national energy

Venema:

young

housing

consumption is heat, and heat is almost

reating a new thermal storage

“We

combining

are

working

Therefore,

associations are looking for possibilities

always transported by water. If you

to build affordable housing facilities.

have a national goal to be energy

collective thermal storage.” Thermal

One of these associations approached

neutral by 2030 (e.g. 14% of energy

storage refers to water warmed to

the Energy & Water department of

from renewables), the energy that

approximately 20° C, stored at circa

Waterbedrijf

regarding

goes in heating needs to be accounted

100 metres underground and used in

designing the heating and cooling for

for. The energy sector is primarily

wintertime to heat houses. “Twenty

180 student studios in Groningen. We

focused on solar cells, windmills and

years ago, thermal storage for heat

found that heating with wood pellet

biofuels,

was not common and hardly anyone

boilers was the best solution, and

responsible for most of the energy

used

cooling

necessary

consumption in the Netherlands. So, if

everyone is looking for their own

because the building design prevented

the municipality of Groningen and the

thermal storage, thus interacting in a

the studios from getting too warm

country

want

bad way. For instance, one company

we

storages

this

into

technique.

underground

people.

big,

thermal

multiple

on

with the re-evaluation of energy

one,

Nowadays,

Groningen

would

not

be

even

though

to

become

energy

during summer. Thus, costs could be

neutral,

lowered,” says Koos Lamme. The

distribution grids.

its building while another company is

solution

using the same layer of soil to store

Waterbedrijf

quite

Furthermore, renewable energy is not

warm water,” explained Theo Venema.

efficient and affordable; in addition,

as concentrated as, for instance, energy

Waterbedrijf Groningen has found a

the wood pellets fired boilers have an

from natural gas. Hence, you need a

solution for this problem. “Our solution

80% reduction in CO2

emissions

collective production site, in which

compared to gas or oil fired boilers.

renewable thermal energy is produced,

facilities into one large thermal storage

Moreover, Waterbedrijf Groningen will

and heat grids to distribute this

system, so that part of the city only has

be in charge of solving the complete

renewable energy. And somebody has

cold storage facilities and the other

delivery of water, heat and energy for

to build these heat grids. Who else

part has warm storage. Hence, we are

the new studios.

than us? We, Waterbedrijf Groningen,

is to combine these thermal storage

heating

provided

Groningen

is

to

is

might want cold water storage to cool

for

need

heat

build

heat

by

building a thermal storage grid in

are very experienced, motivated and

which anyone can connect to the type

Heat Distribution Grids

eager to build these heat grids. The

of storage they want. This is a new

Regarding the future of the dynamic

municipality wants us to do this job.

application of the technology that is

department of Energy & Water, Koos

We want to do this job. Therefore, our

already there, but it hasn’t been done

Lamme reveals: “We have contact with

outlook towards 2030 is to become a

anywhere else in the Netherlands

several companies and municipalities

major

before. We know a lot about water

to design and build heat networks or

grids.”

storage and pipes, thus we are the best

solutions for central buildings. We are

party to organize this type of project.

discussing new projects that will grow

We aim to build the first system in

bigger in the next few years.” One of

2013-2014. In the future, there will be

these projects is a large scale, exciting

fewer

development that will probably speed

conflicts

storage.”

regarding

water

.

player

in

heat

distribution

up the transition to becoming energy NRG Magazine edition 8 | 43

Leeuwarden Water Campus

Leeuwarden Water Campus The Epicentre of Water Technology Fryslân

is

generating

viable

solutions

to secure a better future for water and energy. The Leeuwarden Water Campus is leading the way in Water Technology and ensures that the province has a thriving knowledge economy. At the Water Campus, innovations in Water Technology and Energy are efficiently converted into marketable products. With brilliant developments such as the Dutch Rainmaker and blue energy, the ambition of becoming the European Capital of Water Technology is definitely within Leeuwarden’s reach.

Johannes Boonstra, Member of the Executive Board at Wetsus (left) and Prof.dr.ir. Cees Buisman, Professor at Wageningen University, Department of Environmental Technology and Member of the Executive Board at Wetsus

“L

eeuwarden is the heart

says Prof.dr.ir. Cees Buisman Member of

Water education starts with children

of

regarding

the Executive Board of Wetsus. The

from six to eight years old and ends

Europe

water technology and

campus is very active in using large

with programmes for the Bachelor’s,

Wetsus, the International Centre of

amounts of brainpower to enforce

Master’s and PhD levels. Our goal is to

Excellence

Water

innovation (e.g. circa 40 scientists, 50

offer the finest education in the field of

Technology, is the main laboratory in

PhD students and 50 Master’s students

water technology. So, for instance,

the Water Campus,” says Henk Deinum,

at Wetsus Laboratory alone).

when there’s someone in China who

Alderman

for

of

Sustainable

the

Municipality

of

says ‘I want to study water technology

Leeuwarden. The Water Campus plays

Henk Deinum: “We have a lot of demo

and I want to have the best education

multiple roles. “First, science is our main

locations like the Afsluitdijk, where

there

responsibility.

Leeuwarden.”

We

he

would

think

of

research

Wetsus and other companies are testing

facilities such as demo sites, water

blue energy, by mixing fresh and salt

application centres, laboratories and

water.

from

The projects that are in the developing

analytical capabilities. Secondly, the

Leeuwarden is the Dutch Rainmaker. By

stages are equally impressive. One of

Water

Campus

have

is,’

also

finding

about

using wind energy, the Dutch Rainmaker

these projects is focused on using

entrepreneurship, new companies and

allows you to get water from the air,

ammonium from urine recovered from

existing companies starting with new

without having access to other water

households.

technologies. The campus is also focused

sources. Moreover, we have the right

liberated into pure form so it can be

on networking and export facilitating,”

education programmes.

used in the Microbial Fuel Cell to

44 | NRG Magazine edition 8

is

Another

“The

ammonium

is

Leeuwarden Water Campus

Concept vision of the expansion of the Leeuwarden Water Campus, to be achieved in 2014 Photo courtesy of Gemeente Leeuwarden

produce electricity. This will be tested at

Capital

the beginning of next year,” explains

cooperate with the Northern provinces

of

Cees Buisman. Another project involves

of Groningen and Drenthe and with

complete separation of seawater into

other parts of the Netherlands to get

100% fresh water and salt as dry matter.

water technology as strong as it can

Prof. Buisman: “By separating the salt

be.”

and the water completely, you can work

continue looking for brilliant ideas

at a much better energy efficiency. This

from all over the world and will

is of course very difficult. We have not

continue executing them as fast as

succeeded yet, but we are making

possible in our Water Campus.”

Cees

Water

Technology.

Buisman:

“Wetsus

We

will

progress. Additionally, we are dreaming to make natural gas from the sun,

For the province, all these endeavours

without using plants. Plants only have

mean a flourishing labour market. Cees

around 1% efficiency from the sun.

Buisman: “We will have more jobs that

Solar panels have an efficiency of 15%.

require

If we could make natural gas from solar

province. In this knowledge economy

panels, it would be fifteen times more

there

efficient than biogas. Thus, we are

talents, and if Fryslân wants to be part

working on a system that would

of this knowledge world, we have to

the Executive Board of the

connect solar panels directly to bacteria

specialize in something and become the

City Council

that can convert CO2 into methane by

best in it. We specialize in water

using the sun.”

technology and we want to become the

higher is

education,

more

competition

in

the

about

.

Henk Deinum, Alderman of the Municipality of Leeuwarden and Member of

best in the world.”

The campus is in a continuous expansion and development process, with funding coming in from companies, the Dutch

www.capitalofwatertechnology.nl

government and the European Union.

Henk

Deinum:

“We

have

high

expectations of the Water Campus.

There is more to our province than meets the eye, and we want to show that. Our goal is to be the European

NRG Magazine edition 8 | 45

Back to the future

with

Maria van der Hoeven Did you ever wonder what defines a great career, what people we look up to have to say about current global issues and which advice they can provide for young talents, just starting their career? Maria van der Hoeven connects her previous experience as minister with her present role as Executive Director of the International Energy Agency and looks at the global energy market and its future‌

Š 2012 OECD/IEA 46 | NRG Magazine edition 8

“W

hen the IEA was created 38 years ago it had the limited mandate to respond to physical disruptions in the supply of oil for the member states. In those days, the

Bio.

IEA was the ‘rich man’s club’. This club used around 75% of the global oil supply. Things have changed. At this moment, the 28 members of the IEA use less than 40% of the world energy supply. The rest is used by emerging economies like Russia, India, China, Mexico, Brazil, Indonesia and South Africa. There is a global shift in the energy balance, and this is why it is important for the IEA members to be in touch with the other consuming countries,” explains Maria van der Hoeven.

“No country can achieve energy security, economic development and environmental sustainability on its own. The IEA is here to help. One of the important things we do is to share the Energy Technology Perspectives book, which highlights all the energy technology that is already available and that can help us achieve a sustainable future. My role is to see that all this information that we can provide is not only read and used by the people in the industry, but that policy makers are aware that they can really contribute to the sustainability pursuit by making the right choices,” notes Ms. Van der Hoeven.

When asked about the role of gas on the transition to sustainability, Ms. Van der Hoeven says that “gas can have a truly important and distinct contribution to a more sustainable energy system. Gas plays a major role in pushing coal and delivering carbon reductions, and it is also a flexible

© 2012 OECD/IEA

back-up to renewables. In fact, gas is the answer to every energy policy question starting with ‘What if?’ For instance, if offshore wind deployment is delayed, if nuclear production falls, if energy efficiency does not improve as we hope, for all these questions, the answer is gas.

Additionally, in 25 years we will have many more people on this globe,

“I have done different things in my career and the later years, especially the years as minister were devoted to technology,

thus energy demand will increase. To meet this demand we need

science and to economic affairs and

renewables and we need gas.”

energy,” says Maria van der Hoeven, who is currently the Executive Director of

With respect to the challenges that the energy sector is facing, especially

the International Energy Agency. Before

in Europe, Ms. Van der Hoeven comments: “First, there must be a

taking over this position, Ms. Van der

working price on CO2. Secondly, as the renewables market matures, improvements in network operation and in the flexibility of market integration will need to be addressed. Thirdly, there are excess CO2

Hoeven was Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy of the Netherlands from

allowances as a consequence of the recession. These factors, along with

2007 to 2010, and, before that, she was

the gas revolution in North America, have caused an increase in coal

Minister of Education, Culture and Science

consumption in Europe, and that triggers great concern.“

in the Netherlands. She has been in the Parliament for many years, as member of

Tip for Talent “For young talents beginning their career in the energy sector, I would say: Embrace change and apply entrepreneurial skills to pursue innovative

.

ideas! The energy field is much more fluid now and it is starting to

the Netherlands House of Representatives of the States-General (1991-2002). Until 1991, Ms. Van der Hoeven was head of

resemble the information world with micro applications and technologies.

the Limburg Technology Centre, and from

There is a paradigm shift in the field of energy and young people, some

1987 until 1991 she was head of the Adult

way or the other, know about this and they can teach the older

Commercial Vocational Training Centre in

generation something as well,” advised Ms. Van der Hoeven.

Maastricht.

NRG Magazine edition 7 8 | 47

JOIN THE LIGHT CHALLENGE

The creative and carbon-free competition to reinvent light After the Light Challenge’s succesful first edition - the contest for students to design innovative and sustainable street lighting in cooperation with local inhabitants - the preparation for the 2013 edition is underway. For this new edition we are looking for creative, innovative, open-minded and, above all, smart students. Besides that we are looking for companies who, as partners, are willing to give the necessary support by means of facilities, expertise and funds.

What’s in it for me?

For students: • You’ll learn to work in interdisciplinary teams • You’ll get to know many innovative people and expand your network • You’ll be working on a real project: the best idea and prototype will get a lot of exposure • Your ideas could earn you eternal fame • You’ll gain a lot of knowledge by attending unique and interesting master classes

Discover many more advantages, information and the application procedure at www.lightchallenge.nl

City of Groningen & the Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen

Developing Smart Mobility in the Groningen-Assen Region

Photography: Pepijn van den Broeke

Using ICT together with Energy and Transport to work

Monique Schoondorp, Professor of New Business

on a greener more susantainable future

Development and Wim van Gemert, Professor of Energy Transition, Hanze University of Applied Sciences.

In the Groningen – Assen region, in the Northern Netherlands, cities and towns are increasingly planning economic development according to the Smart City concept. In essence, “a city can be defined as ‘smart’ when investments in human and social capital and traditional and modern (ICT) communication infrastructure fuel sustainable economic development and a high quality of life.”

O

ne of the axes of the smart city concept is “smart

integrated vision on smart cities and future mobility. This

mobility”. The e-bike and e-scooter have made an

vision is necessary to improve economic efficiency and enable

impressive entrance on the mobility market. The

social, cultural and urban development (e.g. areas of city

e-bike offers a number of advantages over conventional

planning, technical and economic management, law,

personal mobility. Based on the use of sustainable energy,

business, ICT and communication).

this mode of transportation creates no emissions compared to cars and buses. And e-bikes are successfully discarding

The good news is that the Hanze team is not alone. The

their image of the transportation mode of choice for the

European Union Initiative regarding Smart Cities dates back

middle-aged, increasing their potential as a popular cheap

to 2011. During the Smart Cities and Communities event in

and clean alternative to cars. A recent study concludes that

June this year, Neelie Kroes , stated: “SMART is different. It’s

the e-bike has a large potential for different cycling corridors

about using ICT to capture, spread and process information:

in the Groningen-Assen region. Large scale implementation

to deliver urban services that are better and more integrated.

of e-bike is therefore an attractive option for introduction in

(…) So our European Innovation Partnership will focus on

this urbanized area.

technology, and on the intersection of the three sectors: ICT,

.

energy and transport.” Combining this with new business The City of Groningen and the Hanze University of Applied

development is the challenge Monique Schoondorp and

Sciences Groningen are exploring possible ways of developing

Wim van Gemert wish to meet!

this type of smart mobility. Monique Schoondorp, Professor of New Business Development and Wim van Gemert, Professor of Energy Transition have joined forces in facing the challenges of such a project (e.g. the development of a smart battery loading system by using sustainable power).

The large scale introduction of e-bikes also asks for an

50 | NRG Magazine edition 8

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_city Wiebe Engelmoed (2012) The E-bike, Opportunities for Commuter Traffic, the potentials of using electric bicycles and – scooters in commuting traffic in relation to the accessibility and quality of the local environment or a compact Dutch city.

3 Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the Digital Agenda 4 How ICT can make Cities Smarter Smart Cities & Communities Communication launch event Brussels, 10 July 2012 5 www.hanze.nl 1 2

TenneT, Congestion Management and NRG Battle - Europe Edition Project

Manager

at

also

makes

The

The TenneT Project Manager chose the

for

topic of congestion management for

knowledge sharing and encouraging

the NRG Battle teams. “I chose this

new talents in the energy field by

topic because it is a very difficult to

taking part in the NRG Battle. The

understand and challenging subject,

October edition of the event was also

and I wanted to see how people, who

the

company

first

time

TenneT.

Klaas

time

Hommes

are not directly involved in this topic,

participated. He was Case Instructor for

approach it. I was searching for a

the two TenneT teams in the Battle.

totally different view, and this is what the students provided. I liked the way

Klaas Hommes, Project Manager at TenneT TSO B.V.

“The NRG Battle was a really energising

the students tackled the case. They

event with lots of new ideas and a new

came up with very good ideas and very

way of thinking. It was great to

good discussions. The most important

experience. The competition is able to

result of their work was not in the

.

play a role in the transition period

solutions they came up with, but in the

s we get closer to a more

because, a contest is more idea-

discussions we had in the two groups

sustainable

system,

powered than a simple brainstorming

of students. Their different approach

with renewables emerging,

session; everyone wants to reach the

provided new ideas for me and for

are

final. There is also the pressure of time;

TenneT.”

increasing. “TenneT has to keep the

in a relatively short time frame, the

whole system in balance, not only for

students have to come up with ideas

the Dutch grids, but also as part of the

that are applicable,” remarks Klaas

European grids,” says Klaas Hommes,

Hommes.

A

TenneT’s

role

and

energy

challenges

Pure water within easy reach. Obvious though it may seem, this is our main challenge for the future. The task is complex: worldwide, the availability of fresh water is under enormous pressure, while the need for water is growing explosively.

This calls for innovative solutions and new techniques across the entire water chain, and the Leeuwarden Water Campus is taking the lead.

From idea to marketing Leeuwarden has seen the creation of an ‘Innovation Chain’ that has attracted

The future of water technology is here

Water Campus Leeuwarden

worldwide attention. Together with educational and knowledge institutions, the Water Campus performs research into questions and ideas from the market.

This research is continued in the lab and later tested on a small scale in the Water Application Centre. Scientists conduct research on demo sites within a diameter of 50 kilometres around Leeuwarden. Subsequently, affiliated companies are given the opportunity to market these thoroughly tested technologies worldwide.

Building our future Many companies, knowledge institutions and educational institutions have found each other on the Leeuwarden Water Campus. In just two years, the campus has grown enormously. To facilitate this growth, and to physically join forces, there are now plans for a extension of the Water Campus, to be built right in the green heart of Leeuwarden. In 2014, a building with a cuttingedge design will be constructed to offer facilities that will enable innovation.

Join the European Water Technology Hub www.capitalofwatertechnology.nl

NRG Magazine edition 8 | 51

Meet the finalists of 2012

MEET THE FINALISTS OF THE NRG Hundreds of talents signed up, 60 teams competed, and the expert jury for the finals of the NRG Battle 2012 nominated only fifteen teams. Meet the teams and their ideas varying from small energy kites to storing gas in balloons and various cases from a sustainable water campus to a mobile charging unit and many more.

The

focu s on ‘othe Afric r wa a is t y aro he Whe und re th appr e t oach e emp am w ’. hasis ill pu o n cle t prev an g entin rowt g mo emis h re CO sions in th 2 e fut ure.

Tea m Grontmij – Su stainable Water Cam pus

A closed water cycle combined with solar sources makes the Water Campus incredibly sustainable.

Tea m GasTerra – Gl obal reducing 80% of ou Challenge, r CO2 by 2050

“It’s a great event, I like the multicultural focus of the NRG Battle.”

Ir. Erik Cornelissen - Executive General Manager/Vice President, ROSEN Europe

Building a regional grid that interlinks farmers and factories

Tea m Alliander – So lutions for the surplus of B iogas

ure Lower Temperat Tea m E.ON – ystem Heat Delivery S

Conne cting o ld and new h ouseho lds in a holistic approa ch to one an other in order to use each o t h er’s heat.

to fuel the pasteurization process with Biogas.

“So many young people are looking ahead to start in a sector that is very exciting and challenging at this moment”.

Prof. Dr. Ton Schoot Uiterkamp, Honorary Professor, University of Groningen

Meet the finalists of 2012

BATTLE - EUROPE EDITION 2012 Introducing the independent ‘Carbon Bank’ that acts as an intermediary that regulates the carbon price on the market with a bottom and ceiling price.

mission Tradin

The E Tea m E.ON – Tea m Gasunie/DNV KEMA Zero Emission En ergy Plant

g System

Focuses on an idea to interlink multiple (renewable) energy sources through Power to Gas.

Tea m TenneT – Utilizing th Sea Wind Pote e North ntial Introducing Formic Acid, as

NV KEMA Tea m G asunie/D rgy Plant Ene Zero Emission

the fuel of the future. Formic acid is applicable in fuel cells and can be utilized in existing infrastructures.

Proposing an idea where cars are charged at once via multiple energy sources.

– Tea m Siemens

Mobile Chargin

g Unit

www.facebook.com/nrgbattle

“At the NRG Battle, we can challenge students to think beyond the limits. We were educated in the past, with certain opinions, without having Facebook, without having a mobile phone or a computer. I think, if they can come up with smart, integrated solutions at the NRG Battle, then I am satisfied, because this is what we need for the future.”

Ir. Pierre Bartholomeus, Global Director and Senior Vice President Gas Consulting Services, DNV KEMA

Meet the finalists of 2012

MEET THE FINALISTS OF THE NRG

Designing temporary storage of gas in

Tea m Alliander – T emporary Storage Solutions for Peak D emand of Household s

balloons above households in remote

Tea m GasTerra – B iogas as part of a Worldwide So lution

areas.

Presenting an idea where multiple energy sources are integrated into one solution.

Tea m FUJIFILM –

Invented a thermal electrical device to

Blue Energy

efficiently produce blue energy with waste and salt water.

“I envy the optimism and energy the students bring to the NRG Battle to work on such worldwide issues.”

Idso Wiersma, Energy Policy Advisor - Municipality of Groningen

Presenting a plan where the Biomass waste of the SuikerUnie is used to produce Biogas fuel

Tea m GasTerra – Lo cal Possibilities for LN

G

for local public transportation services.

Data transmitting via low frequency measurements, a calamity mode and a wake up call with spike induction.

54 | NRG Magazine edition 8

Tea m ROSEN Eu rope – Data Sensors to Secure In Transmitting frastructures

Meet the finalists of 2012

BATTLE - EUROPE EDITION 2012

Introducing the

Tea m Alliander – T he Network of the Future

Tea m City of Gronin

Energy Buddy System, which monitors the

gen – Energy Kites

demand of energy

“It is fantastic to work with young talents, we have seen so many interesting solutions brought up by youngsters!”

Ir. Bernard Fortuyn, CEO Sector Energy, Siemens

needed in households and saves money.

Presenting a design of small kites that make use of solar and wind power and can be used at privately owned and open properties.

Special thanks to Ir. Anton Broenink - Chief Operations Officer, GasTerra Ir. Bernard Fortuyn - CEO Sector Energy, Siemens Prof. Dr. Ton Schoot Uiterkamp - Honorary Professor, University of Groningen Ir. Jeroen Rijnhart - Director Water & Energy, Grontmij Ir. Pierre Bartholomeus - Global Director and Senior Vice

President Gas Consulting Services, DNV KEMA Ir. Erik Cornelissen - Executive General Manager/Vice President, ROSEN Europe

NRG Battle - Europ

Ir. Pieter Romer - Executive Director Operations, Alliander

e Edition 2012 Ju

ry

Prof. Dr. Ir. Drs. Hester Bijl - Director Delft Energy Initiative Ir. Henk Bak - Manager Corporate Development, E.ON

Join us now in the NRG Battle in 2013 www.facebook.com/nrgbattle

www.twitter.com/thenrgbattle

Visit: www.nrgbattle.nl NRG Magazine edition 8 | 55

Talents in the Spotlight

in the Only once in a blue moon do we meet Top Talents. Not only are they high achievers in their studies, but they also have a unique personality and bring added value to any company. From this NRG Battle edition we chose four top gifted individuals with an uncommon combination of talents. For instance, the Strategic Talent, an interesting combination between efficiency and creativity, is a very unique blend of attributes, so rare and worth encountering in one person. You cannot see this in the resume or in the appearance. And this is why we use the Big Five personality test. We think Piet, Sarah, Nathalie and Ilja are real Top Talents. You can read their stories in the next pages.

For more information about the way we test Talent, please contact Geertje Dam at editor@nrgmagazine.nl 56 | NRG Magazine edition 8

Talents in the Spotlight

Photography: Pepijn van den Broeke

NRG Magazine edition 7 8 | 57

Talents in the Spotlight

Reaching your goals gives you great satisfaction Piet Driest, Team ROSEN Master’s in Nanoscience at the University of Groningen

Entrepreneurial Talent Piet Driest has always been interested in science. Even as a kid he knew he would like to be in academia. “In kindergarten, as a four year old, when I was asked what I wanted to be when I was older, I answered: ‘a professor’,” says Piet. With a Bachelor’s in Chemistry, a Master’s in Nanoscience, a passion for skiing and a keen interest in solar cells, Piet has a bright future ahead of him.

Piet is also an Entrepreneurial Talent. Hence, he is able to see possibilities in the energy market and has the sense to act quickly on them.

“I have had some good influences from my parents and my master’s thesis professor,” notes the top talent. Piet plans to steer his career towards the academic world, and he has a good reason for it. “After graduation first of all I would like to do a PhD. Especially in my field you need to have a PhD. Afterwards I will either pursue my dream as a kid and become a professor or I might use my knowledge to start my own company or work for a company in my field,” says Piet.

His first contact with the energy sector was during his bachelor’s study, where his interest in solar cells sparked. “I took a few courses and solar cells grabbed my attention,” explains Piet. Discussing the current challenges in the energy field, Piet stresses the importance of communication: “The biggest challenge in the energy field is completing the full cycle from fundamental research towards implementation in society. The communication between the players in this field is in most cases very difficult.”

Piet participated in the latest NRG Battle – Europe Edition and was quite pleased with the experience. “I think the battle is a great way to bring

“The biggest challenge in the energy field is completing the full cycle from fundamental research towards implementation in society.”

58 | NRG Magazine edition 8

together students and companies from different disciplines and let them see and solve cases from different perspectives. That was my reason for joining. My own team came up with a very nice suiting solution for the case we were given. And, my role in the team was to be the creative spark, trying to get everybody thinking out of the box,” says Piet.

Talents in the Spotlight

Doing the ordinary extraordinarily well Sarah Hill, Team TenneT Master’s in Sustainable Development at the Utrecht University

Strategic Talent & More Sarah Hill is currently studying for her master’s degree in Sustainable Development, the Energy and Resources track, at Utrecht University. She is a unique combination of Management Talent, Entrepreneurial Talent and Strategic Talent. Being a multi-talented, Sarah can not only see future possibilities, but is also able to focus on today’s facts. She is driven by innovation, efficiency and results.

“My first contact with the energy sector was in the beginning of my second year of my bachelor’s. During my time as co-president of Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE, now Enactus), I participated in a nationwide leadership training; this is where I met a number of inspiring and enthusiastic professionals from the industry,” remarks Sarah.

She believes that energy security and potential geopolitical tensions are two of the challenges that the energy field is facing at the moment. “For the challenge of energy security the obvious strategies seem to be already underway (e.g. diversification of suppliers of energy resources and type of energy generation). I would also suggest country specific solutions or clusters of countries combining efforts to insure greater security of supply.

The transition to an increasing amount of renewables is one of the key reasons I am excited to build my career in the energy sector it is such a complex challenge,” says Sarah.

This was the first time Sarah took part in the NRG Battle. She was quite delighted with the experience and deems it as a good practice for her future career in the energy field. “Upon finding out about the NRG Battle, I thought the cases would present similar types of challenges I may face in my professional career. Additionally, I was excited by the idea of working towards practical, innovative and commercial solutions for a challenge in the sector. The actual competition was a challenging, energizing and rewarding experience, where I had the pleasure of working on a complex energy case in a team with four other excellent students. My role within the team was predominately an organizer / strategic facilitator.”

“The transition to an increasing amount of renewables is one of the key reasons I am excited to build my career in the energy sector.”

NRG Magazine edition 8 | 59

Talents in the Spotlight

When you do things that you like, success will follow Nathalie Kerstens, Team Siemens Master’s in European Construction Management at Eindhoven University of Technology

Management Talent & More With interests like horse riding, exploring new cultures and strategic consultancy, it is no wonder that Nathalie Kerstens is multi-talented. Nathalie is a Management Talent, which enables her to be efficient and result driven. She is also an Entrepreneurial Talent, which allows her to have both vision for the future and drive to succeed in reaching short-term goals. Last, but not least, Nathalie is a Strategic Talent, the rare combination of efficiency drive and innovation steer.

Nathalie is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Construction Management and Engineering (CME) at TU Eindhoven. Her interest in such a study programme was determined by her wish “to have a broader view on the construction world and to understand the underlying processes better,” as Nathalie puts it. She is also involved in several extracurricular activities as chairwoman of the study association ‘of CoUrsE!’ and by being active in the board of the horse riding association ESRV Concorde.

Her first significant contact with the energy field was during her master’s thesis. “To obtain my master’s degree for industrial building engineer, my graduation thesis was about sustainable thermal renovation projects. An enormous savings potential lies in the energy efficient renovation of homes,” remarks Nathalie. In Nathalie’s view, the biggest challenge the energy sector is facing at the moment “is to make sure there are enough clean energy sources to provide the world with electricity. Everybody likes green energy, but no one wants a wind turbine in their backyard. Maybe the key is to keep it small and simple, like neighbourhoods with houses with a high level of insulation, to limit the energy use and an own electricity generation plant that works on solar power, wind or water forces.”

The NRG Battle is the place where talented people like Nathalie gather to

“An enormous savings potential lies in the energy efficient renovation of homes.”

60 | NRG Magazine edition 8

find solutions for pressing energy related challenges. Nathalie comments on her experience with the NRG Battle: “It was an enriching experience.

It was really fun to work with people from different universities and faculties and to incorporate all these visions into one case. Our case already provided a solution and we gave a vision on how implementation was feasible and explained the needs for the different stakeholders involved.”

Talents in the Spotlight

Stay cheerful and enjoy life Ilja Kamphuis, Team Fujifilm Master’s in Civil Engineering and Management at the University of Twente

Inspiring Talent Ilja Kamphuis is an Inspiring Talent. He is a team driven and innovation driven individual, combining open-mindedness with a desire to share his ideas with others. Ilja can inspire people with new and exciting ideas. And, in his case, these ideas might be from the field of water engineering, which he is enthusiastic about. Ilja is currently studying for his Master’s degree in Civil Engineering and Management, track Water Engineering and Management, at the University of Twente.

Apart from being quite dedicated to his studies, Ilja has also engaged in various extracurricular activities over the years. Before starting university he went to Thailand for a year, where he lived with a host family in Bangkok and studied at a local high-school. During his university years, Ilja became active in the rowing club. “I was training six days per week and competed in boat races against other universities,” says Ilja.

The NRG Battle was Ilja’s first real contact with the field of energy. His university was advertising the NRG Battle and some of the cases were about water and blue energy, hence Ilja got interested and decided to participate in the competition. The NRG battle experience was a chance for him to expose his “thinking out of the box” organizational skills. In order to help his team, Ilja advised them to approach their case in the competition by using a parallel thinking technique called the Six Thinking Hats. And it worked, because Ilja’s team is in the NRG Battle Finals.

According to Ilja, the challenges that the energy field is facing at the moment come from fossil fuels use. “The current large fossil fuel companies have to make a transition slowly. I think they are having difficulty with having a too fast transition. I am sure they want to be CO2 neutral but they need time. There are so many different kinds of clean energy: water, solar, nuclear, hydrogen, wind. The challenge is: What type of energy should we use? Should we use all of them or a small selection?” remarks Ilja.

“The current large fossil fuel companies have to make a transition slowly. I am sure they want to be CO2 neutral but they need time.”

NRG Magazine edition 8 | 61

Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference

OFFSHORE ENERGY 2012 EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS Amsterdam, 25 October 2012. Offshore industry professionals from around the world gathered in Amsterdam on 23 - 24 October for Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference 2012. The fifth edition of Offshore Energy attracted a record number of 7,632 attendees, up 49% from last year.

Offshore Energy 2012 - Photo courtesy of Navingo

O

ffshore

Energy

2012

This

year’s

event

featured

of

GDF

SUEZ

conference

organization side events and seven

Offshore

sold out and welcomed over 400

tailored sessions. For the first time

Recommendation. Edward Heerema,

exhibitors, up 33% from 2011. 204 new

Offshore Energy also featured an

founder and president of Allseas, gave

exhibitors were present at the event,

Industry Panel which offered a lively

a keynote speech on the strength of

including

discussion

the offshore industry and the key role

between

coming from a.o. Sweden, Dubai, Italy,

representatives

United

contractors

Kingdom,

Finland,

Russia,

of

as

industry

Director

steady growth. The exhibition

exhibitors

four

Managing

continued on its path of

international

sessions,

six

C-level

operators

well

as

and

industry

Nederland BV and Member of the

of

Energy

entrepreneurship

Committee

in

of

promoting

innovation.

United States and France. Exhibition

stakeholders including government,

visitors represented 45 countries.

education and young professionals.

Offshore Energy Exhibition &

The conference programme attracted

Conference 2013 takes place on 15 &

“For this edition we expected around

700+

16 October 2013 at Amsterdam RAI.

6,500 attendants and we welcomed

upstream value chain.

delegates

from

the

entire

over 7,632, demonstrating the strong outlook for the offshore oil, gas and

Another new feature this year was the

wind industries,” said Tessa van Hees,

Offshore

Marketing

Manager

of

Energy

Career

Pavilion,

Offshore

providing a meeting point for those

Energy. “Both at the exhibition and at

companies in search of new talent and

the conference, colleagues shared a

offshore professionals considering a

sense of common purpose. There is a

next step in their careers.

strong drive to let this industry prosper and add growth to an economy in

The Official Networking Event was

turmoil.”

attended by over 400 colleagues. The evening was opened by Ruud Zoon,

62 | NRG Magazine edition 8

Offshore Energy is created and produced by

Jason Dourisseau Most Valuable Player 2010-2011 for the GasTerra Flames

How do you become a basketball star? By training hard. It takes blood, sweat, tears, and 100% concentration. You’ve got to be truly dedicated to the game. But at the end of the day, it’s not just about you. It’s the team that really matters.

GasTerra shares this attitude. In order to help realise a sustainable society, we seek the best possible balance between all available sources of energy. And time and time again, natural gas has played a key role in finding this balance. We are therefore part of the solution. www.iampartofthesolution.nl

Link yourself to the power of TenneT Netwerken: daar gaat het om bij TenneT. Letterlijk en fi guurlijk. We zijn de eerste grensover schrijdende elektriciteitstransporteur van Europa met 20.000 kilometer aan hoogspanningsnetwerken in Nederland en Duitsland. Onze focus is gericht op de ontwikkeling van een Noordwest-Europese energie markt en de integratie van duurzame energie. Tegelijkertijd staat de continu誰teit

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