The book "Donkerluwte written by Henk Tolsma describes how the future power supply must become fully sustainable in three decades (2050), while demand at least triples and the whole thing must also remain reliable and affordable. We are at the beginning of an energy transition, but we underestimate what it entails. The transition in the electricity sector alone is a huge task. The media and politics always revolve around solar and wind, but much more needs to be done.
About the author
Henk Tolsma chose a career in journalism after his HTS education. He wrote for De Ingenieur and Technisch Weekblad, among others, and published several books. He recently published Donkerluwte, about the power supply of the future.
Why this book?
'We are at the beginning of an energy transition, but to my taste we underestimate what it entails. The transition in the electricity sector alone is a daunting task. The media and politics always revolve around solar and wind, but much more needs to be done. The power supply must become fully sustainable in three decades, while demand will at least triple and the whole thing must also remain reliable and affordable.'
Who is the book aimed at?
'For everyone who consumes electricity, haha. I say that jokingly, but I do think anyone involved in the energy transition can learn a lot from it. Whether you work for the government, as an engineer at an agency, or want to be able to have a say as a citizen. The subject is hot and will remain so for a long time, I expect.'
What fascinates you about the subject?
Countless books are published every month. The Engineer picks out the most interesting one and asks the author five questions.
'Fossil-fired power plants are giving way to a variety of renewable sources. Solar, wind, hydrogen, biomass, storage, possibly nuclear: options abound. Each new source has advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, during this conversion, the grid must be reinforced and must not be shut down for a single day. A fascinating balancing act
What did you learn while writing?
'I assumed that electricity demand would roughly double by the year 2050, but it has become clear to me that it will rise much further. After all, industry is also going to electrify and, in addition, producing hydrogen requires a lot of electricity.
What also struck me again is that our electricity production is quite polluting. As many as 11 countries in Europe do better. Some thanks to natural conditions, like Norway, others because they make different choices, like France and Denmark.'
What is your next book about?
'I have been dreaming of it for a long time, but now it has to come: a general introduction to engineering. In other fields, such as sociology and economics, such books are standard, but in engineering there is none yet. It will be difficult to bring together so many technical disciplines under one heading, but with my experience, I think it should succeed.'
About the author
Henk Tolsma chose a career in journalism after completing his HTS education. He wrote for De Ingenieur and Technisch Weekblad, among others, and published several books. He recently published Donkerluwte, about the power supply of the future.
The book "Donkerluwte written by Henk Tolsma describes how the future power supply must become fully sustainable in three decades (2050), while demand at least triples and the whole thing must also remain reliable and affordable. We are at the beginning of an energy transition, but we underestimate what it entails. The transition in the electricity sector alone is a huge task. The media and politics always revolve around solar and wind, but much more needs to be done.
About the author
Henk Tolsma chose a career in journalism after his HTS education. He wrote for De Ingenieur and Technisch Weekblad, among others, and published several books. He recently published Donkerluwte, about the power supply of the future.
Why this book?
'We are at the beginning of an energy transition, but to my taste we underestimate what it entails. The transition in the electricity sector alone is a daunting task. The media and politics always revolve around solar and wind, but much more needs to be done. The power supply must become fully sustainable in three decades, while demand will at least triple and the whole thing must also remain reliable and affordable.'
Who is the book aimed at?
'For everyone who consumes electricity, haha. I say that jokingly, but I do think anyone involved in the energy transition can learn a lot from it. Whether you work for the government, as an engineer at an agency, or want to be able to have a say as a citizen. The subject is hot and will remain so for a long time, I expect.'
What fascinates you about the subject?
Countless books are published every month. The Engineer picks out the most interesting one and asks the author five questions.
'Fossil-fired power plants are giving way to a variety of renewable sources. Solar, wind, hydrogen, biomass, storage, possibly nuclear: options abound. Each new source has advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, during this conversion, the grid must be reinforced and must not be shut down for a single day. A fascinating balancing act
What did you learn while writing?
'I assumed that electricity demand would roughly double by the year 2050, but it has become clear to me that it will rise much further. After all, industry is also going to electrify and, in addition, producing hydrogen requires a lot of electricity.
What also struck me again is that our electricity production is quite polluting. As many as 11 countries in Europe do better. Some thanks to natural conditions, like Norway, others because they make different choices, like France and Denmark.'
What is your next book about?
'I have been dreaming of it for a long time, but now it has to come: a general introduction to engineering. In other fields, such as sociology and economics, such books are standard, but in engineering there is none yet. It will be difficult to bring together so many technical disciplines under one heading, but with my experience, I think it should succeed.'
