Regional innovation power takes the stage during the first edition of Energiecafé Noord-Holland
With a full room of participants from the business community, government, and knowledge institutions, the first edition of the Energiecafé Noord-Holland on March 26, 2026, at the Rabobank Alkmaar location, was an immediate success.
In an open and energetic atmosphere, professionals from the region came together to share knowledge, exchange practical experiences, and network. The event demonstrated the extent of innovative power present in North Holland and the importance of pooling that power to accelerate the energy transition.
The afternoon was opened by René de Visser of Rabobank, who emphasized the importance of collaboration and investment capacity in the energy transition. Moderated by Giulietta Cohen (Development Company) Noord-Holland Noord) and Maarten Deutekom (New Energy Coalition) various speakers delivered a series of pitches that together painted a broad picture of the developments in the regional energy ecosystem of Alkmaar and the surrounding area.
Innovation in action
Jaco Saurwalt of Circonica Circular Energy took the attendees through the development of innovative fuel cell technologies that can produce electricity and hydrogen flexibly, but appear to be finding their first application in the telecom sector. His presentation showed how technological innovation can contribute to a cleaner and more efficient energy system, but also how important it is to make new solutions affordable and scalable.
Next, Laurette van Halen from Alliander addressed the daily reality of the energy system. She outlined the challenges surrounding grid capacity and the need to manage energy production and consumption more intelligently. Her contribution made it clear that the energy transition is not only about new technology, but also about collaboration, flexibility, and systems thinking.
Practice on business parks was also discussed. Joep Sanderink from New Energy Coalition Speaking on behalf of the REFORMERS program, he explained how companies at Boekelermeer are collaborating on sustainable energy solutions and new ways to exchange energy. Sanderink emphasized that collaboration at the local level is a key factor in actually realizing the energy transition while simultaneously creating economic opportunities for entrepreneurs.
In addition, the connection to the circular economy was addressed with a presentation by Josien Ruijter of HVC. She showed how residual streams and biomass are used for sustainable heat and energy production in the region and how existing infrastructure is being adapted step by step to a more sustainable energy system.
Giulietta Cohen, Development Company Noord-Holland Noord, emphasized: “During this North Holland Energy Café, it became clear how important SME innovations from Alkmaar are. From innovative fuel cells to local production of bio-methanol from waste streams: these solutions relieve the electricity grid and increase our energy autonomy. Especially with rising energy costs, the positive business case for these cleaner energy sources becomes apparent more quickly.”
Local and decentralized ecosystems
Finally, Michiel Spits and Hans van der Weide from Energy Greenery Alkmaar took the audience through the Energy Greenery Alkmaar initiative, where they will produce sustainable fuels and electricity from residual waste streams by 2030. The series of pitches was concluded by Bob Busser from HyNoCa, who demonstrated how decentralized hydrogen production from biomass can contribute to a flexible and future-proof energy system.
During the closing networking reception, the conversation continued regarding projects, collaborations, and new opportunities for the region. Maarten Deutekom from New Energy Coalition aptly summarized this collective energy and collaboration: “The Energy Café North Holland is the perfect place where knowledge, policy, and entrepreneurship come together. By joining forces, we can collectively tackle the challenges of the energy transition as a region and accelerate innovative solutions. You could sense today that the enthusiasm and innovative power in our region are truly palpable.”
With a successful first edition, Energiecafé Noord-Holland has demonstrated that there is a strong foundation for collaboration and innovation in the region. The next edition is scheduled for June 4 in Den Helder.
Would you like to attend? Register now via the button below and be the first to receive information about the program for this edition, which takes place at METIP, an inspiring location where maritime and energy innovations come together.
The Energy Café NH is an initiative of Rabobank, New Energy Coalition and Development Company Noord-Holland Noord.