Connect and start building
‘Develop a vision, gather the right people and partners, and just start building things.’ That is the advice Marc Hendrikse, Chair of the Top Team HTSM, has for EIRES researchers.
What role do you envision for the Dutch HTSM sector in the energy transition?
‘In the Netherlands we are world champions in precision technology. The high mix, low volume, high complexity technology our high tech industry is good at is exactly what our future energy system requires. We have the expertise and knowhow to produce systems like next generation electrolysers, batteries or flexible solar cells that combine high conversion efficiency and storage capacity with limited use of resources.’
Where do academia come in?
‘The main task I see for universities is to bridge the gap between different disciplines. Or more concrete, to connect the chemistry and high tech sectors. Traditionally, these are characterized by very different ways of working. For chemistry safety is the single most important requirement, whereas for the high tech industry that is speed. Where large-scale process technology usually takes the time to design something that will last for over 50 years, in high tech, people start building as soon as they have a rough idea of where they are heading and improve their design along the way. Science is well-positioned to connect these two worlds with the aim to develop safe and sound electrochemistry applications as fast as possible.’
What is needed now?
‘Long term focus and commitment, and substantial government funding. The TKI budgets that are available through the top sectors simply aren’t enough to realize the necessary large scale transition we have to make toward 2050. I perceive the energy transition as a big chance to enhance the worldwide competitiveness of our high tech industry and to diversify its applications. As a country, we should make optimal use of our unique knowledge and expertise and position ourselves as the preferred partner when it comes to developing the smart part of any future energy generation, conversion or storage system.’
What is your advice for EIRES?
‘Develop a vision, gather the right people and partners, and just start building things. Connect disciplines like chemical, electrical and mechanical engineering, and organize public-private consortia that comprise all necessary competences from scientific idea to end product. When academia and industry join forces, I am convinced that we can turn the Netherlands into a frontrunner in the field of smart energy systems.’
