INVITATION
The Future of Energy Security in the Netherlands
Online event organised by EASAC, KNAW and DIFFER
How does the transition to sustainable energy affect the security of our energy supply? And what does this mean specifically for the Netherlands? During this online event, the key insights from the recent EASAC report Security of Sustainable Energy Supplies will be discussed, with attention to the opportunities and risks in developing a reliable and affordable energy system.
Date & time:Wednesday 21 January 2026, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m.
Venue: Online
Language: The presentations and panel discussions will be in English, questions can be asked in Dutch
Register here
Security of Sustainable Energy Supplies
The EASAC advisory report Security of Sustainable Energy Supplies shows that the transition to a sustainable energy system in Europe brings both opportunities and risks. It emphasises that investing in the energy transition and climate‑neutral technology is not only necessary to meet climate targets, but can also directly contribute to energy security. A climate‑neutral energy system can ultimately provide a more stable, less import‑dependent, and more affordable energy system, making it less vulnerable to geopolitical tensions and price fluctuations.
At the same time, the report highlights key concerns during the transition, such as dependence on critical materials, the need for infrastructure expansion, and ensuring flexibility in the energy system.
During this online event, Paula Kivimaa, co‑chair of the working group that produced the report and senior researcher at the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), will present the key findings of the report.
Panel discussion
The core of the programme is a panel discussion led by Richard van de Sanden, member of the EASAC Energy Steering Group, group leader at DIFFER, and Captain of Science at the Topsector Energy.
The discussion opens with short reflections from Marjolein Bot, Director of System Integration at the Topsector Energy, and Koen Kok, professor at TU/e and member of the working group that produced the report. Drawing from their expertise, they place the findings of the EASAC report in the Dutch context, after which the conversation broadens into a joint exploration of the main opportunities, risks, and policy implications for the coming years.
In this central discussion, all speakers address the question of how the energy transition can contribute to a robust, reliable, and affordable energy supply, and which conditions must be fulfilled in time to achieve this
Programme
- Welcome and brief introduction to EASAC by Wim van Saarloos.
- Presentation of the report Security of Sustainable Energy Supplies by Paula Kivimaa.
- Panel discussion led by Richard van de Sanden with panelists Paula Kivimaa, Marjolein Bot, and Koen Kok. Opportunity for the audience to pose questions via the chat.
- Closing
About EASAC
The European Academies Science Advisory Council (EASAC) is the network of national science academies (including KNAW) in Europe. It brings together the expertise of Europe’s leading scientists to provide independent, science‑based advice to European policymakers on urgent topics such as energy, environment, climate, and health.
For any questions or queries, please contact Yorick Enters via yorick [368] enters [28] easac [368] eu (yorick[dot]enters[at]easac[dot]eu). For urgent matters, call +31 (0)6 17352652.
ROYAL NETHERLANDS ACADEMY
OF ARTS AND SCIENCES (KNAW)
Kloveniersburgwal 29
Postbus 19121
1000 GC Amsterdam
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