Dear ERC member,

Hopefully you returned relaxed and in good health from a rewarding holiday.
Like many of you, also the Steering Committee of the Energy Reinvented Community is getting used to having virtual meetings. On August 18, we discussed our plans for remainder of this year and the impact of the COVID-19 on our activities.

Unfortunately, we had to cancel our event of June 4, which we were planning to organize together with the Port of Den Helder on the developments of the energy transition in the North Sea. Instead we organized a webinar which was well received. The original event was postponed until next year in a similar form.

At the same time, we tested a change of going towards more online events with the working group on Community Engagement, led by Susan Kimkes, which appeared quite a success.

As our community is not only about inspiration by interesting speakers and panel discussions, but also stimulating discussions between participants during breaks and meeting community members outside your standard network, we decided to pursue the plan to have the next event on October 8 as a live face to face meeting.

We have contracted the NBC meeting location in Nieuwegein, which is perfectly suited for a Corona proof setting and which has gained ample experience over de last months in organizing such an event with over 100 participants. Of course, we will follow the RIVM guidelines and have developed a plan B to turn the event into a completely online event when necessary.

We have a great ‘line-up’ for our event on the Heat Transition on October 8, with contributions from Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, , Pieter Boot of PBL and Diederik Samson, EU advisor to Frans Timmermans and strong supporter of geothermal energy for heat networks.  

Of course, also the working group sessions will be continued on October 8 in the afternoon, with a fall back to be held as an online workshop, so register on time for one of the working group sessions.

So far our reflections of the current situation and impact on our community activities. More information on the next event will appear in your mailbox soon, and we will keep you updated on any changes that we may need to implement when Corona would strike again in fall.

Meanwhile: stay healthy and safe.
On behalf of the Steering Committee,

René Peters | Ewald Breunesse | Jan Prins | Barthold Schroot