The Paris Agreement brought the imperative for the energy transition to a head. Following the first tentative steps by governments and companies, we are now on the eve of a large-scale movement. The need for change is clear, making the switch to sustainable energy sources less and less of a choice, and we have passed the tipping point. Sustainability has moved from small-scale, experimental CSR measures into new ways of doing business - and new revenue models. 

The energy transition is on a growing number of board agendas. The ‘why’ is no longer in doubt, the questions are now ‘how’ and ‘how fast’. We are not only building the world of tomorrow, but working on the here and now. Nor can these be isolated efforts, but rather require collaboration between stakeholders.

The scale of the energy transition is unparalleled and will affect all sectors, some dramatically. Ever more companies are seeing the opportunities: innovation and efficiency have helped put the green energy business case on the map – and by association, whole countries. 

The Netherlands - energy transition microcosm 

With a dense population of 17 million, the Netherlands is a small but significant country. Its collaborative culture, enterprising spirit and technological prowess have been forged by a close relationship with natural forces. These it has systematically harnessed over two thousand years, shaping its internal geography and economy. It occupies a central position in North West Europe, a highly integrated region in energy terms.

For the Netherlands, famous for its dikes, polders, canals and windmills, the interplay between wind and sea has long been central to its survival and prosperity. However, recent decades have been marked by a strong reliance on fossil fuels, as is evident from the port of Rotterdam and companies such as Shell. Indeed, the Netherlands is home to some of the world’s most important energy and infrastructure multinationals. 

It is an incubator of innovation, and it’s ready to regain its old position in relation to the wind and the sea. This report views the energy transition through the lens of this fast-evolving market. 

Global energy transition - a growing movement

The global economy is under relentless competitive pressure, with sustainable innovations often requiring significant investments, or being difficult to scale up. Transforming the energy economy is no trivial task, and to succeed it is crucial to take a holistic approach – one in which the energy transition is not seen as a series of separate measures, but as an interconnected whole. Industries, companies and households must become more sustainable individually, and at the same time, transform entire energy systems. Countries must take this into consideration, distributing the burdens and benefits so that each stakeholder’s contribution creates optimal value in a clean and competitive energy economy.

As the energy transition gains momentum, it’s becoming clear that whilst the challenges are many, so too are the opportunities. Companies can and must look forward to jointly growing new markets, backing their pioneering role with solid investments. And as the Paris goals already risk missing the mark, urgency is concentrating minds and money as never before. 

Roland Theuws - Partner, Amrop, The Netherlands  

About this special report 

Against a backdrop of super-fast innovation, disruption and digitization, selected directors of major Dutch companies, including global market leaders, respond to the transforming energy space. Beyond the hype, this report contains:

• Honest reflections from the industry front lines
• Insights into energy transition innovations
• A window on the progress of sustainability post Paris

If you are an executive in the energy and infrastructure sector, if the energy transition is affecting your supply chain, growth or profitability, or you want to discover how leadership peers are tackling high-profile change in a fiendishly complex. environment, we invite you to read on. 

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