Accelerate. Integrate. Align: Key Takeaways from the NWO - NERA Energy Symposium 2025

The future of sustainable energy took center stage at the NWO - NERA Energy Symposium 2025 in February 2025, where Marco van der Laan proudly represented our organisation. Showcasing cutting-edge demos from our SolarNL partners, the event was a testament to the growing interest in tangible innovations emerging from Dutch energy research. The engagement and enthusiasm from attendees made for a series of insightful and inspiring discussions at our stand.

Driving the Energy Transition Forward

The symposium, organized by the Netherlands Energy Research Alliance (NERA), brought together over 5,000 energy researchers from across the country. The event underscored the urgent need to accelerate, integrate, and align efforts in the energy sector.

Accelerate

Lena Kitzing’s keynote speech was a powerful call to action: while solar and wind energy are scaling at an impressive rate, the pace needs to increase even further if we are to meet our energy transition targets. The rapid deployment of renewable technologies must be prioritized to drive meaningful progress in the sector.

Integrate

Technology alone won’t be enough to build a sustainable energy future. Anna Hiemstra’s workshop emphasized the importance of embedding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into energy projects. By ensuring that innovation is inclusive and equitable, solutions can be developed to benefit everyone in society, not just select groups.

Align

Adel El Gammal from the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA) reinforced the necessity of collaboration. Policy, industry, and research must work together, across national and institutional borders, to address the shared challenges of the energy transition. Alignment among these key stakeholders will be crucial in ensuring long-term success.

Looking Ahead

The NWO - NERA Energy Symposium 2025 reaffirmed the Netherlands' commitment to pioneering energy research and innovation. As we navigate the challenges of the energy transition, events like these play a crucial role in shaping the strategies and collaborations needed to drive sustainable progress.

Exciting times lie ahead for the future of energy in the Netherlands and beyond.