How clean transport is initiated in the city
The zero-emission zone in the city of Groningen became a reality on April 1st. In this session, entrepreneurs shared how they transitioned from fossil fuels to clean transportation and their experiences now.
Cargo bikes, electric vans, city hubs—everything that goes fossil-free into the city will be covered in this session. But how to deal with the fear of charging stress, skepticism about electric driving, and the hurdle of large investments? It immediately provides tips, insights, and guidance for entrepreneurs who still need to take the plunge.
Benefits for entrepreneurs
Painting Company De Vries launched its first electric service van in 2013, driven by an intrinsic need for sustainability, and gradually expanded its portfolio. The company's sustainable approach—De Vries adheres to the cradle-to-cradle principle—is now attracting new clients who consider its sustainability policy a valuable addition. When asked about additional costs (higher initial purchase price), Alfred argues that cost isn't the determining factor, as it's not the primary motivation—at the same time, there are real benefits to be gained from, for example, low (read: absent) maintenance costs.
Kleine Klussen, a platform for freelancers, owes its existence to the city's car-free environment. It serves individuals and businesses in and around Groningen, using electric cargo bikes to get around.
The City Hub also owes its existence to the city's car-free policy: storage and "green" distribution—from bicycles to electric trucks—where transport flows are bundled, directly impacting the number of journeys and CO2 emissions. It's a matter of good planning by the entrepreneur and the organization, followed by efficient delivery.
Take-aways
- A good example will sooner or later be followed by a good example (internally and externally).
- Sustainable business operations are becoming unavoidable and ultimately deliver results
- Need for exchange of knowledge and experience from pioneers to subsequent entrepreneurs
- Municipal policy is decisive and guiding (informing, encouraging and promoting good behavior, etc.)
- Bundling transport flows - via hub, better planning - has a major immediate impact
Top van Onderop Noord-Nederland
The Nationaal Klimaat Platform organized its own Summit of the Northern Netherlands at New Energy Forum this year. In the tent, themed around citizen initiatives, you could attend inspiring sessions about successful sustainability stories from the region, from people who have already rolled up their sleeves.
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.
