Building the energy system of tomorrow together - Recharge Earth 2025

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On September 17 and 18, the fifth edition of Recharge Earth took place at the Rotterdam Ahoy Convention Centre. For two days, hundreds of energy professionals from business, government, academia, and industry came together to share knowledge, debate, and, above all, take steps toward a future-proof energy system.

Under the guidance of host Hajar Yagkoubi, keynote speaker Pascal Coppens kicked off with an inspiring look at China as the First Electrostate. "What the Netherlands can learn from China in relation to the energy transition,” Coppens stated, "is above all to collaborate more strongly and make sharp choices in where we invest. China is very good at building ecosystems that make a transition possible.”

Sven Stremke (Wageningen University) showed how landscape and energy planning come together, while Esther Pijs (Ministry of Climate and Green Growth) reflected on the Budget Memorandum and the course for the energy transition. "At this stage of the energy transition, it is really important to be realistic and pragmatic,” said Pijs. "Not sit back, but make difficult choices to keep moving. Only in this way can we collectively support the energy transition.”

Jinny Moe Soe Let (Netbeheer Nederland) also emphasized during a panel discussion the broader meaning of the transition: "For a long time, the energy transition was about climate targets. It’s actually no longer about that. It’s about living, working, well-being, and resilience. I think everyone is increasingly realizing that.”

Besides the plenary sessions, the program was full of interactive breakouts and roundtable discussions on topics such as CO₂ removal, energy poverty, the role of industry in the Port of Rotterdam, and the rise of decentralized energy communities. The dynamic interaction between speakers and participants once again showed that collaboration and knowledge sharing are key to acceleration.

Awards full of innovation and young talent

The Innovation Award had six strong semi-finalists: Back-to-Battery, Blue Circle Olefins, Hymonic, Currentt, Nexus Energy, and SOL-R&D. From these pitches, Nexus Energy was chosen as the winner - an innovation with the potential to make a real impact in the energy transition.

The Young Energy Leader Award, powered by Eneco, went this year to:

• Gijs van Wijk (HBO, Hogeschool Rotterdam) - for his research on high-temperature heat pumps, achieving significant CO₂ reduction and saving millions of euros.

• Bas van Berkel (WO, TU Delft) - for his smart controller to operate wind farms more efficiently and reduce maintenance costs.

They received the award from jury chairman Eric Wiebes and Dick Velings (Eneco).

Building the future together

Recharge Earth 2025 once again proved that the challenges are enormous, but the energy, innovation, and collaboration within our community are even greater. Now it is time to turn the inspiration from this edition into action.

A big thank you to all visitors, speakers, partners, students, and jury members who made Recharge Earth 2025 a success.

Save the date: Recharge Earth returns on September 16 & 17, 2026, at Rotterdam Ahoy.