Gen Z in action for a sustainable future
During New Energy Forum 2025, there was a special focus on young people: the generation that will soon have to carry out and accelerate the energy transition. With the theme DOEN! (DO IT!), the "Energy Transition Expedition combined learning and experiencing through a mix of music, technology, art, and science. The young people participated in expeditions involving rap workshops, plastic recycling, and experiments. This program demonstrated that sustainability can also be fun, creative, and practical, and that you simply have to dare to DO IT!
Thijmen Sissing: The Trashpacker and headline act
Tijmen Sissing wasn't chosen as the headliner for the youth program for nothing. As the founder of the global Trashpackers movement, he demonstrates how a simple idea and a lot of perseverance can make a global impact. His story began during a trip to Southeast Asia. Instead of turning a blind eye to the trash on the beaches, he started cleaning up. His action was infectious: more and more people joined in. Trashpackers has now organized cleanups in over 100 countries, with thousands of young people literally rolling up their sleeves.
At New Energy Forum, he inspired again, this time the young people participating in the Energy Transition Expedition. With his striking Recycle Bus, which transformed plastic waste into colorful toys, he demonstrated that sustainability can also be fun and tangible.
Tijmen didn't dream of collecting waste when he was younger, but he fell into it through practice. What he did aspire to was becoming a rapper. So, he concluded with an interactive freestyle rap. The audience shouted out random words, which he wrote down on a blackboard. With this input, he energetically and creatively crafted a rap about the energy transition, after which he playfully introduced Rico onstage and signaled the start of the expedition.
Young people make themselves heard with rapper Rico
During the rap workshop, attendees were literally and figuratively given the opportunity to make their voices heard. Under the guidance of rapper Rico—frontman of Opgezwolle and co-founder of the meeting space De Fakkelteit—they wrote their own rap of four to eight lines in just fifteen minutes. The only condition: it had to be about energy. Rico inspired them with his own chorus about "New energy, more money, more green money. New energy, it can't be helped, it has to be. New energy, wind, water, sun. The foundation, the source where it all began.", and showed how music can be a powerful tool for making social issues tangible. The young people got to work, expressing their initial ideas and creative talents. Rico himself also admitted to having learned a lot:I learned things through New Energy Forum that I didn't know before. During my kids' four-day evening walk, I was the last school in line to pick up the plastic that was left behind – small things help, too. Just look at Tijmen and how he ultimately activated people worldwide."
After the rap workshop, the young people could take further action by participating in various demonstrations.
Natural insulation: Wool, flax or straw?
Young people were able to view, feel, and compare ten natural insulation materials. Each material had its own unique structure and weight. Through thorough testing, they discovered why materials like flax and sheep's wool are becoming increasingly popular in sustainable construction.
Wind Tunnel: Wind feels different than you think
In the Aerolab wind tunnel, visitors experienced firsthand how wind behaves – and what happens when obstacles disrupt the airflow, why wind turbines are placed tall and far apart, and how you can calculate wind energy with a simple formula.
Hydrogen demonstration: Soapy water & Pringles
A hydrogen expert gave a lighthearted and informative demonstration on the properties of hydrogen. Using everyday items like soapy water and a Pringles container, he demonstrated how hydrogen works and why safety and knowledge are crucial.
Climate adaptation: Rain showers and flooding
At IVN's interactive water tables, young people simulated heavy rain showers with buckets of water. They discovered which measures, such as green roofs or permeable paving, help prevent urban flooding. Through play, they learned to consider climate adaptation in their own living environments.
Solar panels: What if a cloud passes by?
Using miniature setups, young people explored how shade, pollution, and angle of inclination affect solar panel yield. This allowed them to discover for themselves why maintenance and positioning are essential for high efficiency.
About New Energy Forum
On June 19, 2025, Groningen was once again the vibrant hub of the energy and mobility transition during New Energy Forum. This unique event, now boasting five successful editions, is much more than a traditional conference. It's the most distinctive energy festival in the Northern Netherlands, unique in its format thanks to its combination of content, networking, and experience, with this edition as a standout. This edition was entirely dedicated to go-getters and DOEN!ers – the place where action takes center stage. Over 1.700 visitors gathered at the Entrance pilot project on Zernike Campus Groningen.
Young people in action during the Energy Transition Expedition
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