Netherlands Hydrogen Land. The event organised by and for women.

What an event to remember and therefore actually not to want to have missed. Hosted by Energie Beheer Nederland (EBN); a public energy company focused on the future; gas and heat transition, CO2 storage and transport systems and energy storage. Why KIVI-NVI worked together? Both want to facilitate the connection between engineers.

But what is KIVI-NVI? KIVI was founded 176 years ago at the time of the industrial revolution. Without the knowledge of an engineer, we will get nowhere. To achieve the climate goals, this knowledge, of the engineer, is desperately needed. We cannot do without it. Cooperation is the strength; we will no longer get there alone, both within and outside the KIVI organisation. Network of Women Engineers (NVI) was founded 14 years ago. Inclusiveness is also indispensable for the major social changes we are in the midst of. Diana van den Heuvel, president of NVI, says she believes it is important that we add value as NVI. In our unique position as a spider in the web, we are well positioned to network, make the connection for knowledge exchange.

Sofie van den Enk was able to fantastically engage the audience by interviewing the three top women, conveying the accompanying energy of new developments on hydrogen!

Alice Krekt has been director of the new trade association for the Dutch hydrogen sector since April. Hydrogen is a huge hype; the future, but is totally something new. Old companies are converting and new companies are starting, but both are starting something new. Hydrogen is a new and growing sector, with challenges such as infrastructure, regulation and investment. In other words "Hydrogen connects today to tomorrow, and this requires new and connecting leadership"

Annemiek Asschert, manager New Energy EBN, on the new energy system and the role of hydrogen storage. In the future, hydrogen can be stored in large quantities in empty gas fields, at a depth of about 2 km. As a buffer for peaks and troughs in the supply and demand for energy, for instance in times of little sun or, conversely, very much wind. But also as a strategic reserve. To ensure that we can actually use gas fields for hydrogen storage from 2030 onwards, it is important to have a demonstration project as soon as possible to answer some questions. Consider, for example, the sealing layer: is it thick enough? There is already a similar pilot in Austria. In the Netherlands, we aim to complete a pilot before 2030.

Martine Hoeksma, energy transition programme manager at Shell Netherlands. Shell is improving and is open to improvement. In four steps, using hydrogen to reduce emissions. This requires investment to get the chain, for converting from gas grid to a hydrogen grid, up and running (still under development). The new technology is still uncertain, but Shell is at the forefront of testing.

And what about the much-needed diversity?
Most attendees are in the middle of their careers, and as Martine so nicely puts it "You can change course when you feel the need to". It appears that diversity is mostly brought by women and young people with their diverse backgrounds. Are these groups well represented in the hydrogen industry? No, they are too much of a minority in engineering, but also in hydrogen. We also need to work together in this by, for example, demanding as 'hiring manager' that resumes from women are also submitted for job interviews. Helping each other work towards a critical mass of female representation. Because as observed "One woman is not a woman". But quotas are also needed to quickly achieve a healthy balance of diversity, a prerequisite for better solutions, creativity and connection in the major societal changes, such as the energy transition.

The inspiring event was a success! If we were able to inspire you too, please sign up on KIVI sign up to participate in future events.

The maximum number of participants for this event has been reached, you can apply for the reserve list by emailing elfride.dijkstra@kivi.nl.

KIVI Netwerk Vrouwelijke Ingenieurs is organising a congress with top women on NEDERLAND WATERSTOFLAND in Utrecht on Tuesday 26 September.

In addition to content, there will be a lot of focus on role models, ambitious women, careers and sharing experiences.

Three top women at the heart of the Netherlands' transition to a hydrogen economy. Speaking are Alice Krekt, CEO of the Association NLHydrogen, Martine Hoeksma, programme manager of energy transition in Shell Netherlands and Annemiek Asschert, manager New Energy EBN

Alice Krekt Martine Hoeksma Annemiek Asschert

With top moderator Sofie van den Enk who has earned her spurs in interviewing women in energy, we will combine technology, visibility of women, role model for other women, networking and social relevance in this event.

Diana van den Heuvel Sofie van den Enk

The programme is as follows:

14.45 hours Walk-in with coffee and tea

15.15 h Welcome moderator Sofie van den Enk, presenter for radio and television and working for KRO-NCRV

Interview with Annemiek Asschert and Diana van den Heuvel

15.30 o'clock Interview Alice Krekt, CEO Association NLHydrogen

What does hydrogen Netherlands look like? How much hydrogen is needed? How much can we produce and consume ourselves and how much is needed in imports/exports? What developments can we envisage? Which companies/members are working on what? What roadblocks need to be overcome?

15.45 Hour Interview Annemiek Asschert, manager New Energy EBN

What is EBN's role around empty gas fields? What role does hydrogen play in storage and use of these empty gas fields? What challenges need to be overcome? What technical challenges do we see ahead?

16.00 PM Interview Martine Hoeksma, programme manager energy transition Shell Netherlands

A concrete example with Hollandse Kust Noord. Shell is building 200 MW of hydrogen production on the Maasvlakte. No more waiting for all certainties to be sealed up, but take the first steps now.

16.3 pm Panel discussion led by moderator Sofie van den Enk

16.45 hours Closing by Sofie van den Enk

17.00 Hour Networking drinks and bites

18.00 o'clock End

Participation is free of charge, maximum 75 participants.

Register via the KIVI website.

Upon registration, permission is granted for photo and/or video material for public use.