Salar Mafhoozi Energy Analyst
Salar Mahfoozi works at New Energy Coalition as an energy analyst, focusing on research-oriented projects within the energy transition. His work primarily revolves around techno-economic analyses that assess the feasibility of sustainable energy solutions and developments within energy systems. With a background in Petroleum Engineering and a Master's degree in Energy and Environmental Sciences from the University of Groningen, Salar combines technical expertise with analytical and economic insight.
Salar is originally from Karaj, Iran. In 2017, he moved to Groningen to pursue his master's degree. “I applied to various universities all over the world, but in the end, I chose Groningen,” he says. “That turned out to be the best decision. I still live here and am very happy with it.”
Understanding what works within the energy transition
As an energy analyst, Salar helps assess whether energy projects are technically and economically feasible before they are implemented. His work consists of developing models, conducting techno-economic analyses, and evaluating whether the benefits of a project outweigh the required investments.
“You need to understand whether projects are actually worthwhile from both a technical and financial perspective,” says Salar. “For example, we assess whether concepts such as offshore hydrogen production or e-methane production are feasible and under what conditions they become profitable.”
His role encompasses a wide range of activities, including research, financial modeling, stakeholder collaboration, and reporting. Over the years, he has contributed to both national and international projects in the fields of offshore energy systems, hydrogen value chains, renewable fuels, and electricity market integration.
A broad perspective on sustainable energy
During his work, Salar has focused on various aspects of the energy transition, including hydrogen, offshore wind energy, hydrogen refueling stations, and biogas production. One of the aspects he values most is the opportunity to continuously learn across different fields.
“I enjoy being involved in different types of projects,” he explains. “You learn an incredible amount in practice. After your studies, you realize that there is still so much to discover, and these projects really help you grow professionally.”
He has contributed to feasibility studies on topics ranging from hydrogen production from waste streams to broader analyses of sustainable energy systems and infrastructure concepts, such as the blending of hydrogen into the gas grid.
A strong interest in the financing of sustainable energy
Although Salar works in many technical domains, his greatest interest lies in the financial and commercial side of sustainable energy projects. “What I enjoy most is the financing of sustainable energy,” he says. “When you conduct a techno-economic analysis, you ultimately look at profitability, costs, revenues, risks, and financial performance indicators.”
What makes the field particularly interesting to him is that every project is unique. “There is no universal approach. Every project brings different challenges, assumptions, and requirements, which keeps the work both interesting and intellectually challenging.”
Finding a career in uncertain times
After graduating in 2019, Salar entered the job market during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, a particularly difficult period for finding work, especially as a graduate from outside the European Union. “It was a very uncertain time,” he recalls. “Companies were barely hiring people and opportunities were limited. At one point, I even worked as a cook while I kept applying for jobs.”
Eventually, in November 2020, he applied for a position as an energy analyst at New Energy Coalition“I had almost given up hope and was about to leave the Netherlands,” he says. “I signed my contract just two days before my residence permit expired.”
Careers New Energy Coalition
Starting a new job during a pandemic brought its own challenges. Due to limited personal contact, it took time for him to find his place within the organization. “Because of the pandemic, it took a while before I really got to know everyone,” explains Salar. “But over time, that happened naturally. Being physically present at the office made a big difference in that regard.”
At New Energy Coalition Salar is part of a small team of energy analysts whose work often takes place behind the scenes, but plays an important role in supporting projects and decision-making. “As energy analysts, we spend a lot of time working with data, models, and calculations,” he says. “Our work is sometimes less visible, but it provides many of the insights upon which projects are built.”
One of the aspects Salar appreciates most about working at New Energy Coalition is the international and collaborative work environment. “It is a very international workplace with colleagues from many different backgrounds,” he says. “People work well together and there is a strong culture of collaboration. I appreciate that enormously.” The flexibility and freedom within the organization also appeal to him. “There is a lot of room for initiative and creativity. You are encouraged to think independently and explore new ideas.”
Keep learning and stay motivated
For Salar, working at continues. New Energy Coalition both motivating and intellectually stimulating. “It feels like I never stopped learning after my studies,” he says. “The work continues to challenge me, and that keeps me motivated.”
Looking back on his experience, he describes New Energy Coalition as an environment that stimulates both personal and professional development. “It is a place where you continue to develop yourself while contributing to meaningful projects. That combination makes it special.”
