Women in Energy: Myths and Fables
On the auspicious Friday of September 13, the Women in Energy conference brought together 150 inspiring women, all actively involved in the energy transition. Held in The Hague, the event provided the perfect setting to network, share knowledge and foster collaboration across the energy sector.
The day began with an insightful keynote by renowned author Susan Smit, who captivated the audience with her unique blend of historical context and contemporary issues surrounding women’s rights and societal challenges. Drawing connections between myths, witches, trees and today’s male-dominated society, Smit’s presentation set the tone for a day of thought-provoking discussion and reflection.
After a lively morning, attendees participated in workshops designed to delve into the pressing issues facing the energy sector. One of the highlights was the “Integral Energy System, the Infinite Puzzle” workshop, hosted by Greenchoice. This session explored the intricacies of large corporate energy systems, where diverse perspectives illuminated the challenges and opportunities presented by grid congestion. The discussion highlighted how the energy transition can thrive even in the face of limited grid connectivity, and emphasized the need for businesses to turn to sustainable energy generation when traditional fossil-based utilities fail.
A second workshop, entitled “Grid Congestion: Brake or Accelerator for the Energy Transition?” led by Joulz, built on similar themes. With participants from companies such as Shell, Enexis and Tennet, the session featured debates and discussions that reinforced the belief that overcoming grid congestion could accelerate the transition to a greener future. The sense of confidence and optimism in the energy transition was palpable throughout both workshops.
The event concluded with a powerful TedX talk on “Transition Pupilism” by Olof van der Gaag, who offered a political perspective on the energy transition. His enthusiasm and certainty about the future of the sector was infectious, leaving attendees feeling inspired and hopeful.
Finally, Professor Gerdien de Vries delivered a compelling session on the psychological barriers to climate adaptation, metaphorically described as “dragons” that inhibit behavioral change. Her candid discussion about taming her own “dragon” of resistance to sustainability was both relatable and motivating.
The Women in Energy conference left attendees not only more informed, but also more empowered. The day was a celebration of the confidence, innovation, and collaboration that are driving the energy transition forward, one empowering connection at a time.
