Regional industry that's worth a visit!

During the New Energy Forum, three speakers, each with their own perspective (EU, national, regional), took part in a heated debate on the position of the Dutch and Noord-NederlandThe industry within the European transition. Led by Marcel Koenis (Entrance, Hanze University of Applied Sciences) and Anna Gimbrère, Johannes Bollen (TNO), Kees Vendrik (National Climate Platform), and Patrick Brouns (industry advisor, former Groningen provincial executive) discussed how we can seize – or miss – the opportunities presented by EU industrial policy.

Impact on the region

The session showed that Noord-Nederland Can play a clear role in the European industrial transition – provided the region organizes and positions itself more actively. The area has the right scale and knowledge clusters to serve as a testing ground for solutions related to grid congestion, hydrogen, and industrial sustainability.

Critical: Without affordable energy and clear policy choices, sustainable industry will remain a mere reality. The call to government, businesses, and knowledge institutions is clear: work on fair conditions, regional cooperation, and future-proof investments – and do it now.

Insights and conclusions

1. A level playing field for energy prices is crucial
   The price of electricity in the Netherlands is significantly higher than in neighboring countries like Germany, Belgium, and France. This undermines the competitive position of Dutch industry. The government must actively address this, the speakers emphasized.
2. Europe has the lead, now we need the resources
   Europe is a global leader in climate ambitions, but it must also become a leader in the energy and raw materials transition for industry. Only then will we remain globally competitive. This requires European leadership and national coordination.
3. Noord-Nederland must position itself better within the EU industrial agenda
   Although there is renewed attention for centralised generation (for example through nuclear energy), these investments often take place elsewhere. Noord-Nederland must organize and profile itself better to participate in the EU's Clean Industrial Deal – and attract investments to the region.
4. Hydrogen is essential, but affordability is a bottleneck
   Green hydrogen is currently too expensive to be widely deployed as an industrial energy carrier. Therefore, blue hydrogen must also be included in the transition strategy, with an eye to short-term feasibility.
5. Saving remains an underexposed, but essential pillar
   Besides grid reinforcement and infrastructure investments, energy conservation is an undervalued but necessary strategy. For example, the EU directive stipulates that offices may only consume 70 kWh per m² by 2040. This demands action now from governments, businesses, and property managers.

This session was organised by Entrance – Centre of Expertise Energy (Hanze University of Applied Sciences) in the framework of the Jean Monnet Chair for Sustainable EU Economy, co-funded by the European Commission.

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.