Meet our Energizer! Annemiek Bles
Annemiek Bles holds a MA in Communication from the University of Amsterdam and works as Program Manager Energy at Brainport Development, finding solutions for obstacles in the energy transition.
Brainport Development is the economic development company for Eindhoven and 20 surrounding municipalities, also called the Brainport Eindhoven region. This region is known for its worldclass high-tech manufacturing industry, including companies as ASML, NXP and Philips.
As a Program Manager Energy, Annemiek finds it important to put Brainport Eindhoven on the map as a high-tech ecosystem, it signals the possibilities the region has to offer.
The Brainport Eindhoven region aims to develop a fossil-free, future-proof energy system both locally and nationally. Annemiek explains, “We connect the manufacturing industry to create components like battery packs, lightweight solar panels, and energy management systems, highlighting the industry's evident role in the energy transition. We support companies by spotlighting regional innovations and addressing concrete issues, like grid congestion issues.”
Addressing grid congestion
Grid congestion presents a significant physical obstacle. For instance, companies aiming to electrify their truck fleets may struggle to obtain the necessary power. High demand and fluctuating supply exacerbate this issue, preventing new companies from connecting to the grid and existing ones from expanding their connections. This hinders their ability to invest in electrification and growth.
Annemiek adds, “Brainport Development addresses these issues on multiple levels. Nationally, we lobby the government to emphasize the need for grid development and financial support, given our role as the country's second economic engine.”
Brainport Development offers a can-do approach
On a local level, Brainport Development started a so-called ‘coalition of the willing’ with 11 municipalities in the region to establish energy hubs. They collectively reserved some money to appoint an energy hub director, who works dedicatedly towards an energy hub. Brainport Development facilitates knowledge sharing in this context. Different stakeholders are encouraged to learn from each other, to get the development of energy hubs going faster. This is illustrated by the event ‘Smart Solutions to Grid Congestion’, which VNO-NCW, the Brainport Eindhoven region and Brainport Development organized in January 2024. During this event companies and policymakers were invited, problems were discussed and solutions presented, together with start-ups.
Exploring alternative renewable energy sources
In addition to addressing the challenges of grid congestion, Brainport Development examines the viability of alternative renewable energy sources. Annemiek: “We just completed a feasibility study, with several companies, on a regional hydrogen network. If the large manufacturers are going to electrify their gas consumption, grid congestion will be an even bigger problem. Because many processes are not easy to electrify, like high-temperature heat on gas, we explore the possibilities of hydrogen to move towards a renewable energy source for these types of processes.
This was presented by Akbar Asadi Tashvigh and Annemiek during the 4TU.Energy PhD course in November 2024, where they discussed hydrogen and other storage forms like heat batteries, power to power, and energy systems.
From research to industry: overcoming the language barrier
Moreover, the 4TU.Energy PhD course offered a platform to talk about technology transfer. Annemiek explains the challenge of translating academic research into marketable products: “At knowledge institutions, the difficulty lies in transforming research into market-ready products. Researchers often ask, ‘How can we increase the impact of our research? What does the market need?’ There is a significant language barrier. Researchers present highly technical details, while investors focus on costs and benefits. Without a PhD, understanding these technical presentations can be challenging. It's crucial to think in terms of applications and uses.”
According to Annemiek, fundamental research is essential, but it must reach a higher Technology Readiness Level (TRL) to be marketable. Additionally, companies have a shorter-term focus compared to researchers, highlighting the need for better collaboration between the two.
An irreversible energy transition
Annemiek is optimistic about the energy transition in the Netherlands: “While I believe the transition could progress faster, I am positive overall. The critical mass has been reached, making the transition irreversible despite potential delays. We are on this path with certainty, and it can always move faster.”
Impactful research
Referring to the 4TU.Energy PhD course, Annemiek suggests organizing more group discussions involving PhD candidates and industry to facilitate ongoing dialogue and discover mutual opportunities. She provides a concrete example: “Startups were asked how researchers could assist them. Two companies identified their needs regarding battery recycling and sector-specific requirements. This aligns with 4TU.Energy's mission as a national centre. By bringing together diverse groups for fruitful discussions, we can significantly strengthen our efforts in the energy transition. Participating in such groups leads to real impact.”
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Annemiek Bles