Our response: publication The Research Editorial Team

'New Energy Coalition is a network and knowledge coalition committed to a smart and successful transition to the sustainable energy system of the future, both in the Netherlands and worldwide. We connect stakeholders. We view the energy transition as a system transformation. Whether it concerns energy generation, storage, distribution, or application, in our search for solutions, we consider the entire chain in its entirety. We stimulate joint activities and, with our organizational strength, advance energy projects. This requires all parties to join forces. New Energy Coalition makes that happen, and we are proud of it.

New Energy Coalition also pools research resources for the energy transition. Our research agenda allows us, together with our partners, to make targeted choices about research projects to be developed. Scientific research, especially privately funded research, is subject to critical review – which is useful and necessary. However, it would be undesirable (and unsustainable) to disqualify acquired and available knowledge and expertise from private parties for this reason.

We are convinced that it is logical and right to continue using the acquired knowledge, the available infrastructure, and the established international energy position from the gas industry as a stepping stone to a new energy future, as part of the enormous challenge that is the energy transition.

Gertjan Lankhorst, General Manager.

Please note: 

The website of De Onderzoeksredactie/Follow the Money states: "...The provinces of Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe have limited insight into the expenditure of subsidies provided and are represented in a body without official authority."

That's incorrect. Through so-called NIA reports, every euro from provincial contributions is accounted for. The "no official say" position is a deliberate choice by the provinces – the suggestion that this means they have no involvement in policy decisions is unwarranted.