Interview with Jeroen Herremans
‘’The energy transition isn’t just about climate goals, it’s about reshaping society in Europe.’’
Meet Jeroen Herremans, director of Connectr – Energy innovation , a driving force behind innovation and collaboration in the energy sector. The Connectr community has become a thriving hub where entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers collaborate on sustainable energy solutions. We explore his vision, motivations, and the vital role of cooperation in accelerating the energy transition.
What inspires you most about the energy transition, and how do you bring that inspiration to life in Connectr’s mission and projects?
Across Europe, boundaries are being pushed to accelerate the energy transition. For me, the energy transition is not just about meeting climate goals—it’s about reshaping our society in Europe. Five years ago, I couldn’t have imagined the profound impact energy would have, both locally and geopolitically.
Locally, we see the effects of grid congestion and transport scarcity, which hinder companies from settling or expanding. On a geopolitical level, moving away from fossil fuels makes Europe energy-independent and harder to disrupt through external forces. This independence is crucial for the future.
As an economist, I also see tremendous opportunities. The energy transition can become an economic engine—locally, nationally, and across Europe—by helping innovative entrepreneurs scale their solutions and bring them to the European market.
What do you see as the biggest challenges for a successful energy transition, and how does Connectr address these obstacles?
The energy transition is a complex puzzle with interconnected pieces. That’s why it’s crucial to foster collaboration between governments, entrepreneurs, and knowledge institutions—the “triple helix”—while bringing together the entire value chain in sectors like transport, logistics, and the built environment.
A practical example: the fire department is often only involved when an innovation causes an emergency, such as a fire or explosion. Their request is clear—engage us from the start, so we can help prevent incidents and develop protocols for emergency responses. The same applies to insurers—if a company cannot get insurance for their innovation, the transition grinds to a halt.
At Connectr, we bring these stakeholders together through monthly community meetings where the entire value chain collaborates. This approach builds trust, fosters new partnerships, and accelerates innovation.
Which innovation or breakthrough within the energy transition do you see as a ‘game-changer’ for Europe in the next five years, and why?
The energy transition itself is Europe’s game-changer—it makes the continent independent of external energy sources. But if I had to highlight one breakthrough, it would be future-proofing Europe’s electricity grid.
No matter the energy mix we adopt by 2050, everything depends on a robust, interconnected grid. Smart system integration—balancing supply and demand—is the key to success. This is precisely the focus of the business ecosystem in the Lifeport region of Arnhem-Nijmegen, where Connectr is based.
How does Arnhem Electricity Week contribute to fostering collaboration and innovation in the European electricity sector?
To succeed in the energy transition, multiple key solutions still need to be found. Across Europe, there are key innovation hubs that are complementary, each tackling different challenges. In the Lifeport region of Arnhem-Nijmegen, the focus is on electricity. Arnhem Electricity Week is the annual event to share knowledge, spark collaboration, and engage with other hubs across Europe.
For anyone involved in the energy transition, it’s clear—this is the place to be if you want to contribute to or benefit from solutions in the electricity sector.
How does Connectr ensure that the ideas and collaborations emerging from Arnhem Electricity Week create lasting value?
The real impact comes from what happens after the event. To maximize the continuity of the conversations and the collaborations between visitors. Connectr supports this through ongoing programming and communication.
We’re also strengthening ties with other European energy hubs and inviting them to open their doors to us. By fostering these cross-border partnerships, we maximize the reach and impact of our collective innovation for common and complementary interest.
Which topics or speakers do you consider essential to address this year, given the urgent challenges within the European energy transition?
For 2025, the most urgent topic is grid congestion and transport capacity. The success of the energy transition makes it painfully clear that our current infrastructure isn’t fully prepared. We have to address these bottlenecks, for business to maintain profitable. Which in turn funds the transition.
I expect Arnhem Electricity Week 2025 to feature a major announcement—the establishment of a European Center dedicated to centralizing expertise and solutions for these infrastructure challenges.
Why is it logical for the international electricity event to be organized in this region?
For over a century, Arnhem-Nijmegen has been an international hub for electricity.
This legacy is powered by leading institutions like KEMA, Dekra, UL, TuV, and ElaadNL, as well as cross-border grid operator TENNET and electric mobility pioneers like Allego and Milence. With Connectr – Energy Innovation, we’ve united these organizations into a cohesive energy ecosystem. From five strategic locations across the region, we’re working toward a future where Europe is energy-independent, with a reliable, affordable, and secure electricity infrastructure.
