The New Energy Coalition is on a mission to improve our world
The New Energy Coalition (NEC) in Groningen connects over 160 partners globally to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy. By uniting innovation, education, and international talent, NEC aims to build a greener future. Discover how they're making energy transition both impactful and exciting.
The New Energy Coalition (NEC), based in Groningen, is working to speed up the global energy transition and create a more sustainable future.
“Our aim is to speed up the energy transition to make the world a little bit better,” says Charles van Santvoord, Marketing Communication Coordinator at NEC.
The coalition brings together expertise across innovation, education, and human capital, acting as a connector between key players in the energy sector. With around 160 partners, NEC is involved in about 60 active projects aimed at accelerating the shift from fossil fuels to cleaner, more sustainable sources.
NEC’s role varies depending on the project. Sometimes it initiates the work, sometimes it coordinates, and in some cases, it executes. The goal is always to collaborate with as many stakeholders as possible—from companies and governments to NGOs and universities.
“We don’t have all the knowledge ourselves, so we need a lot of companies that have that knowledge in our coalition,” explains van Santvoord.
Collaboration at the heart of innovation
The coalition focuses on combining the strengths of various organizations to spark innovation and expand energy expertise. It also invests in the next generation by working closely with students and professionals from diverse backgrounds.
“We enjoy having students because of their bright minds and open vision, and we also attract professionals who we try to re-educate about sustainable energy.”
People are at the core of NEC’s mission. The team includes both Dutch and international colleagues, and the organization embraces a wide range of professional skills—from law and communication to business development and technical disciplines.
“We also have international companies and international people working at the NEC. The energy transition is really big and complex, which requires a multidisciplinary approach.”
“We need a mix of all these skills to take our world where no person has previously gone before. In development and innovation, you need all these different skills and people from different cultures and perspectives. We love internationals because they bring a lot of knowledge with them. They bring their own perspectives, which is very nice.”
Investing in the next generation
NEC’s mission is a strong draw for new talent. Van Santvoord says it’s easy to attract motivated professionals because of the coalition’s clear purpose.
“We don’t have a hard time getting new employees because of our purpose of making our world a little bit better. Internationals willing to work here should contact us. We regularly have room for traineeships and internships. That’s mainly how we recruited new internationals.”
While the energy transition might sound highly technical or crisis-driven, NEC sees it differently.
“The energy transition is really sexy.”
Van Santvoord encourages those interested to explore NEC’s website to stay up to date with current projects and openings.
“We have a lot to learn and we’re not there yet. There’s still lots of work to do, but it’s very satisfying work.”
Video by Julia Dumchenko and Daindra Utami.
