Erasmus Centre for Energy Transition presents ESB dossier New Energy at symposium on the energy transition

The presentation will take place during an inspiring symposium (in Dutch) on the economic perspectives of the energy transition at the Erasmus Pavilion on Woudestein campus of Erasmus University Rotterdam. During this event, researchers, policymakers and financial professionals will engage in discussion on how economic insights can contribute to accelerating and strengthening the transition to a sustainable energy system.

The energy transition at a turning point

The energy market is undergoing rapid change, but the rest of the energy system is falling behind. While the supply of renewable energy has expanded significantly, electricity demand, grid infrastructure and regulation have not yet been sufficiently adapted to this new reality. This has led to price volatility, grid congestion and long waiting times for electricity connections, putting further progress of the energy transition under pressure. The authors of the dossier emphasise that reform of the energy market is essential to keep the transition on track while simultaneously strengthening the economic resilience of the Netherlands and Europe.

Expanding supply highly successful, but the system is under strain

The dossier shows that the Netherlands has achieved major successes in scaling up solar and wind energy. Since the Paris Agreement, the share of renewable energy has increased more than sixfold. At the same time, this success highlights the shortcomings of the broader energy system, including negative electricity prices, an overloaded power grid and growing risks to security of supply. The contributions in the dossier offer both economic analyses and concrete policy options to address these challenges.

Symposium: economics as a key to acceleration

The symposium on 23 January focuses on how economic expertise can help shape the energy transition in a more effective and equitable manner. Hans Stegeman, Chief Economist at Triodos Bank, will deliver the keynote address. Stegeman has extensive experience as an economist at, among others, Rabobank and the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB), and recently obtained his PhD from Erasmus University Rotterdam for research into integrating sustainability into economic theory, policy and practice.

This will be followed by the official presentation of the ESB dossier New Energy and a panel discussion with several authors of the dossier and other experts, including:

• Stephanie Holle, Director of General Economic Policy and Deputy Director-General for Economy and Digitalisation, Ministry of Economic Affairs / Ministry of Climate and Green Growth
• Machiel Mulder, Professor of Energy Economics, University of Groningen
• Derck Koolen, European Commission and Utrecht University
• Ronald Huisman, Professor of Sustainable Energy Finance, Erasmus School of Economics

Programme and practical information

• Date: Friday, 23 January 2026
• Location: Erasmus Pavilion, Erasmus University Rotterdam
• Time: 12:00–15:00 

Following the symposium, at 16:00, you are warmly invited to attend the inaugural lecture of Ronald Huisman as Professor of Sustainable Energy Finance, which will take place in the Auditorium (Erasmus Building) on Woudestein campus.

Registration 

Participation in the symposium (in Dutch) is free of charge. Register here (open until 13 January).