Symposium on Shade – the Achilles’ heel of the energy transition?

Dark lull (Dunkelflaute)

The Dutch energy transition is in full swing. Wind farms and solar panels are supplying an ever-increasing share of our electricity, fossil fuels are being phased out, and demand for electricity is growing rapidly. But what happens if the sun barely shines for days on end and the wind fails to blow for weeks on end?

This phenomenon – ‘Donkerluwte’ (Dunkelflaute) – is perhaps the greatest challenge facing an energy system that is becoming largely dependent on renewable energy sources. During such periods, wind and solar energy production drops sharply, whilst demand for energy remains high. How, then, can we ensure the Netherlands has a sufficient supply of electricity?

At the symposium ‘Donkerluwte: the Achilles’ heel of the energy transition?’, KIVI Elektrotechniek is bringing together experts to answer current questions, such as

• the impact of ‘Donkerluwte’ on the Dutch energy system;
• the role of energy storage and hydrogen;
• the challenges facing grid operators and electricity producers;
• possible solutions for a robust and sustainable energy supply.

Topical and socially relevant

A great deal of attention is currently being paid to grid congestion. However, the question of how our future energy system will remain resilient in the face of prolonged periods of low renewable energy generation is at least as important. What role do large-scale energy storage, hydrogen, flexibility, adjustable power stations and international cooperation play? Which technical solutions are realistic? And what choices must we make today to safeguard tomorrow’s security of supply?

Who is it for?

The symposium is aimed at anyone interested in the technical and societal challenges of the energy transition: engineers, researchers, policymakers, students and energy professionals.

What can you expect?

During the symposium, leading speakers will share their knowledge and practical experience. They will discuss the risks posed by blackouts, the implications for energy supply and possible solutions. In addition to inspiring talks, there will be ample opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussion with colleagues.

Blackouts need not hinder the energy transition, but they do require realistic choices and a robust energy system in which sustainability, affordability and security of supply go hand in hand.

Programme

Speakers’ biographies

Emma Gerritse
Bio: Emma Gerritse graduated from Delft University of Technology with a degree in Applied Physics, specialising in biophysics and computational physics. After working for a few years as a Circular Energy Transition consultant at Qirion and as a Circular Economy consultant at Rebel Circular Economy, she is currently employed at Stedin as an advisor on Energy Systems of the Future. There, she is working on making the energy system more sustainable in an integrated way.

Daan Hogewoning
Bio: Before joining BB One as Commercial Director four years ago, Daan held various commercial and management positions within the international commodities trade for a wide range of industries. In these roles, he visited both manufacturing companies and raw materials producers. In doing so, he observed that energy costs were accounting for an ever-increasing share of total production costs. This trend made it clear that the energy transition is not only a technical challenge but also a financial one for manufacturing companies. Driven by this conviction, Daan wanted to support organisations in making financially sound investments in electrification and sustainability. That ambition ultimately led him to BB One.

Leon Thijs
Bio: Leon Thijs obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in 2017, followed by a dual Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (Power & Flow) and Applied Physics (Fluids & Flow) in 2020. He then joined the Power & Flow group at TU/e as a PhD student, where, under the supervision of Prof. Philip de Goey, he focused on the numerical modelling of the combustion of individual iron particles. In 2024, he was awarded his PhD with distinction. After a brief stint at Canon Production Printing, Leon joined RIFT in 2025, where he currently works as Research Lead for Boilers and supports the industrial upscaling of Iron Fuel Technology.

Huub Lavooij
Bio: Huub Lavooij is a Dutch hydraulic engineer with over forty years’ experience in the construction and water sectors. He studied at the HTS in Vlissingen and at Delft University of Technology, where he specialised in coastal hydraulic engineering. During his career, he has worked for organisations such as Rijkswaterstaat, Deltares, VolkerWessels and Royal HaskoningDHV. He also gained international experience in Peru and served as an attaché in China for the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management from 2004 to 2009.

Lavooij is a co-initiator of Delta21, an innovative project that combines flood defences, sustainable energy storage and nature conservation. His commitment to flood defence is personal: as a child, he lived through the 1953 North Sea flood. This experience continues to drive his dedication to future-proof solutions for climate adaptation and the energy transition in the Netherlands.

Kars Boucher
Bio: Kars Boucher is an analyst and trader at Greenchoice Trading Company, where he focuses on developing energy solutions and business cases within the energy transition. Drawing on his expertise in energy trading, battery storage and market integration, he is involved in the further development of Delta21, with a focus on renewable energy and the associated economic value creation. He contributes to the development of revenue models, stakeholder coordination and the positioning of Delta21 as an integrated project for the future of the Netherlands.