Groningen action-takers accelerate the energy transition

Led by moderator Marcel Nieuwenweg (RTV Noord), they shared their experiences, successes, and challenges with the audience. This inspiring session demonstrated the power of regional SMEs to provide practical, scalable solutions for the energy transition. The focus wasn't on long-term strategies and policy plans, but on what's happening here and now. How are local entrepreneurs collaborating and why that's important?

The speakers came from diverse sectors – from AI and building management to grid capacity and hydrogen. What unites them? Their decisiveness, innovative approach, and deep roots in the region.

Six insights from the SME front

Collaboration is not a luxury, but a necessity
The energy transition is too complex for companies to tackle alone. From technical expertise to regulations, each company brings something unique to the table. Only by joining forces—including with educational institutions and government—can we move forward.

Don't wait, start now
Whether developing an AI application or considering a collective battery, it all starts with action. As one of the speakers said: “If you don't move, you can't steer.”

Smarter use of grid capacity is worth its weight in gold
Grid congestion was a topic of discussion at almost every company. Solutions range from flexible control to peak power reduction and collective hubs. Often, it turns out that a battery seems logical, but it's not always necessary.

Noord-Nederland as a European blueprint
Several companies, such as Envitron, are using their Groningen/Dutch case studies as a blueprint for Europe. This underscores the region's potential not only for innovation but also for internationalization.

True scale requires systems thinking
Scaling up in the energy transition doesn't simply mean "more of the same." You need to move from individual components to integrated solutions. Or, as one speaker put it: “From walkie talkie to telephone.”

Inspiration works – if it remains affordable
Pioneers can lead the way, but affordability is a strict prerequisite. Without financial viability, collaboration remains stuck in good intentions. SMEs are looking for scalable, practical, and profitable solutions.

Impact on the region

The stories of these companies make it clear that the energy transition is not a paper reality, but a practice full of puzzles and potential. Especially in Noord-Nederland the strength lies in an active, innovative SME sector that – through trial and error – shows the way.

These SMEs not only contribute to technological innovation, but also to employment, knowledge development, and social engagement in Groningen. They demonstrate that the energy transition is not just a technical challenge, but also a regional opportunity.

That there is a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the region to work practically and now on the energy transition, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. Furthermore, it's crucial to thoroughly understand what customers and clients are asking for and to develop tailored solutions.

The Groningen energy solvers

• Piet Jan Bloem – Aimz: Smart AI solutions for installers – from fault prevention to system safety.
• Rein Schuil – Envitron: Energy Management Systems (EMS) – The Netherlands serves as a blueprint for other countries. Already active in four countries, the Netherlands now has the ambition to grow internationally.
• Alexander Bleker – Syplon: Technical management and sustainability of buildings – identifying what is needed and relieving the burden on building owners.
• Arjan Hartemink – Summit Engineering: technical management and sustainability of buildings – focused on thinking along with the customer.
• Sybren Couwenberg – Repowered.: optimization of flexible assets, energy supplier and grid congestion services.
• Harald Zegeren – Bind: sustainability advice, research into smart energy hubs, and supporting collective energy provision on industrial estates.
• Erik Smit – Whiteveen + Bos: The largest engineering and consulting firm among the smaller firms. Active for years in the energy sector, among other sectors, they work on hydrogen projects, among other things.

About New Energy Forum

New Energy Forum is the festival for (aspiring) mobility and energy professionals and anyone concerned with a livable future. It's an annual initiative of our organization (New Energy Coalition). Entrance, Hanze & Hive Mobility at the Entrance test site on Zernike Campus Groningen. The Entrance Award will also be presented during the festival: the prize for pioneers in the energy transition. 

On June 19, 2025, Groningen was once again the vibrant hub of the energy and mobility transition during New Energy Forum. This unique event, now boasting five successful editions, is much more than a traditional conference. It's the most distinctive energy festival in the Northern Netherlands, unique in its format thanks to its combination of content, networking, and experience, with this edition as a standout. This edition was entirely dedicated to DO!ers – the place where action takes center stage. Over 1.700 visitors gathered at the Entrance test site.