10 Most important trends in Energy Materials

The Netherlands is significantly increasing its offshore wind capacity, targeting 21 gigawatts (GW) by 2030, 50 GW by 2040, and 70 GW by 2050. This expansion supports sustainability goals, reducing fossil fuel reliance, and creating numerous job opportunities in engineering and construction.

A projected 70% increase in offshore wind capacity by 2030 will drive advancements in materials innovation. The current installed capacity is 4.7 GW, supplying about 16% of electricity demand. The government plans to launch tenders for two major offshore wind farms, adding another 4 GW capacity.

Green hydrogen is becoming a vital part of the Netherlands’ energy strategy, with plans to increase electrolyser capacity to 3-4 GW by 2030 and 8 GW by 2032. Efforts include establishing international partnerships and import terminals for renewable hydrogen.

Investments target electrolyser technology that uses renewable electricity to produce hydrogen sustainably, positioning it as a versatile fuel across various sectors. The government has committed €5 billion to green hydrogen infrastructure and materials research.

As Europe’s second-largest hydrogen producer, the Netherlands is building a national hydrogen backbone and enhancing battery storage technologies, targeting blending renewable fuels and achieving fossil-fuel-free flight by 2050.

Improving energy efficiency and electrification in the industrial sector includes adopting technologies like Industry 4.0, digitalisation, and AI to enhance energy efficiency in processes such as drying and dewatering.

In the Netherlands, electrification initiatives aim to decrease reliance on fossil fuels by transitioning heating systems and transportation to electric solutions, promoting sustainability and technological advancements. Projections indicate that smart grid technologies could reduce energy consumption by an estimated 25% in industrial sectors.

The Netherlands aims to achieve a fully circular economy by 2050, emphasising material reuse and reducing non-renewable resource consumption. This objective requires significant changes in manufacturing processes to incorporate sustainable materials. Sandeep highlights how the industry is increasingly exploring sustainable alternatives like sodium-metal batteries to reduce geopolitical and environmental concerns.

"Why sodium? Because it is sustainable, cheaper, but also geopolitically less sensitive.”

- Sandeep Unnikrishnan, Founder & CTO LionVolt

 

The circular economy is gaining traction as companies focus on minimising waste through recycling and reusing materials. The goal is to recycle 90% of solar panel materials by 2025.

The Netherlands is rapidly deploying solar energy to align with the EU Solar Energy Strategy, focusing on increasing solar installation capacity and integrating it into the national grid.

Solar power is experiencing significant growth, with installations in residential areas and large-scale solar farms. The government aims for solar power to account for 27% of total generation by 2030, making it one of the fastest-growing segments in renewable energy. The target is to reach a solar capacity of 35 GW by 2030 through advanced photovoltaic materials.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies are getting recognition for reducing industrial emissions as part of broader efforts to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

 "Technologies like CO₂ capture and electrolyzers are necessary for the energy transition, even without immediate business cases."

- Richard van de Sanden, Group Leader, DIFFER and Scientific Director, EIRES

 

CS checks are underway to capture CO2 from industrial processes before it enters the atmosphere. The Netherlands has launched several pilot projects to test the viability of CCS, positioning itself as a leader in this emerging field.

The Netherlands plans to increase green gas production to at least 2 billion cubic meters by 2030 by integrating it into the natural gas grid, primarily to lower carbon footprints while efficiently utilising organic waste.

Projects focusing on biogas production from agricultural residues are gaining traction in rural areas, enhancing local economies and offering environmental benefits.

The Netherlands aspires to transition from oil-based transport fuels to electrification and renewable hydrogen, advancing e-mobility and EV infrastructure. Electrifying transportation systems, such as buses and freight vehicles, is essential for meeting national emission reduction targets and promoting cleaner alternatives to traditional fuels.

“Electrification is presented as the ultimate solution...but that’s not going to work. You need smart usage of those assets and the infrastructure to support them.”

-Pau Brossa Rodriguez, Co-founder Integer Technologies

 

The country is investing in advanced battery materials and has over 144,000 public charging points, making it a leader in electric mobility. Government policies, including financial incentives for EV purchases and expanded charging facilities, also support this shift.

By 2030, the Netherlands aims to have 1.9 million electric passenger vehicles on the road, backed by a National Charging Infrastructure Agenda for accessible, efficient charging solutions.

The Netherlands is participating in international collaborations like the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC) to develop offshore wind projects and improve Europe’s electricity infrastructure.

“There’s substantial collaboration within the Dutch ecosystem, where we frequently work with both international universities and companies to bring materials research from an early stage to a market-ready level.”

-Nicole Meulendijks, Deputy Research Manager TNO, Dept. Materials Solutions

 

NSEC members, including Belgium, Denmark, Germany, and others, aim for 76 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 and 260 GW by 2050. The initiative fosters knowledge sharing and joint ventures to advance clean technologies and sustainability. NSEC’s collaborative approach with the European Commission focuses on establishing a shared action agenda to coordinate grid development efforts, market design, and financing.

The Dutch government has implemented several policies to support the energy transition, including the Climate Act. These policies create a stable framework, encouraging investment and innovation in energy materials.

Continuous refinement of policies promotes advancements in sustainable technology, ensuring high compliance standards. Government initiatives encourage investments in research projects aimed at addressing pressing environmental challenges.

The Netherlands is taking a comprehensive approach to transforming its energy landscape through technological innovation, international collaboration, and robust policy support. This evolving landscape presents exciting opportunities for highly skilled migrants and ambitious startups to shape a sustainable future.The commitment to sustainability in the Netherlands fosters a thriving ecosystem for innovative companies like Integer Technologies, which are pivotal in addressing pressing environmental challenges. As the energy materials sector grows, it paves the way for advancements that will enhance energy efficiency and contribute to a greener economy.