In March, Willemien Terpstra started as the new CEO of Gasunie. In this interview she gives her first impressions and talks about her ambitions. What opportunities and challenges does she see? What valuable experience is she bringing over from her previous job? And what is her vision on the energy transition? In her own words, ‘Society can continue to count on Gasunie’.
What are your first impressions of Gasunie?
‘I have been introduced to many colleagues in recent weeks and visited many of our sites and locations. What moves me most is everyone’s pride. And I’m impressed by everyone’s drive to deliver good work – the extent to which they are all truly aware of our social duty and the need for the energy transition. I now feel the same pride. The role we have as Gasunie is truly fantastic.’
Is this step a logical continuation of your previous job?
‘I previously worked in the chemical industry. I really enjoyed working there, but when I was approached by Gasunie I discovered that the fit was enormous. Everything that has motivated me to do my work and make an impact over the past 28 years comes together in Gasunie’s story. The catalyst role that we can play in the energy transition in the Netherlands and surrounding countries with our infrastructure, in connecting today with the future, is extremely important for a sustainable society and for our economy. And I know from my own experience just how important energy is for our industry and our economy.'
How will Gasunie be making a difference in the near future?
‘In half a generation, we, all of us together, started on the pathway to bringing about a completely new energy system. It is an enormous, shared task, one in which Gasunie is happy to take the lead. Our projects for the large-scale transmission and storage of hydrogen, CO2, green gas and heat are very important. With these projects we are building the energy system of the future while at the same time writing the next chapter in Gasunie’s history: from gas transmission system operator to sustainable energy infrastructure company. With the North Sea as a clean energy producer, excellent ports and terminals, and of course our own infrastructure, the Netherlands is extremely well positioned. Our country has already proven itself as a natural gas hub in north-western Europe. We now also want to capitalise on these opportunities for other forms of energy. In this we see a connecting role for our infrastructure. And that’s why we have started the construction of the national hydrogen network, CO2infrastructure, and a heat network in the province of Zuid-Holland. This way we are on course to facilitate the market once it is ready. This will help us stay a step ahead and show once again that we are a reliable partner who can act quickly and agilely, just as we did with natural gas.’
Does this mean that Gasunie is cutting all ties with natural gas?
‘No, it doesn’t. However, let me be clear about the direction we are heading. Like the rest of Europe, the Netherlands is facing the enormous task of switching from fossil fuel to clean energy. And that’s not something that can be achieved at the drop of a hat. It will demand the utmost from all of us, but it is the direction we are heading in. And that includes Gasunie. That said, as long as natural gas is needed to heat our homes or keep businesses running, the Netherlands can count on us, as can our neighbouring countries. In the meantime, we will continue working on the future energy supply, a supply for which our pipelines and import and storage facilities for molecules like hydrogen, green gas and CO2will become increasingly more important. After all, the sun and wind will not be sufficient sources to meet our energy needs at all times. We are ready and willing to use our network, as well as the expertise of all our people, for this. This way we can ensure that the Netherlands can continue to count on Gasunie in the future too.’
And what is your vision on the energy transition?
‘I know how essential energy is for running our industries and heating our homes. Our projects will help the Netherlands switch over to clean, sustainable energy while maintaining security of the energy supply and our prosperity. This demands a pragmatic approach. Perfect is too often the enemy of the good: where there is always a better solution around the corner, striving for perfection can sometimes be paralysing. I prefer to see the energy transition as a ladder that we climb one step at a time. And above all, you can only make a real impact when you do it together.’
Is this also your view on collaborating with companies and government bodies?
‘Yes, I believe so. Gasunie’s expertise in the field of natural gas is such that our standards are referred to around the globe. So it was only logical that for years we were able to insist on how we wanted it to be. The new forms of energy require different types of collaboration, and everyone is still learning. This demands a new attitude and approach, more pragmatic and flexible. Move along more with others and listen to others. In fact, we have to go back to the beginning, to where we were when we first started with natural gas, combining our extensive knowledge with a healthy dose of entrepreneurship and being receptive to outside views.’
Where do you hope to be with Gasunie in four years’ time?
‘I want us to have made a difference, beyond just talking about the energy transition to actually haven taken concrete steps. It’s not for nothing that we are investing more than 8 billion euros in new energy streams. That’s over two-thirds of all our investments. This will enable us to make an impact; after all, only once the infrastructure is in place can supply and demand come together. We are the ones who have to make the connection, both literally and figuratively. We have started on the pathway, and now we have to move forward. That’s my ambition, and I want to do everything in my power to achieve that.’
One last question. What do you like to do when you’re not working?
‘I like to head out to the water if I can. I especially like sailing on the North Sea with my catamaran. It clears my head, despite the strenuous effort. You are literally and figuratively washed clean by the wind and water.’
Subscribe to Gasunie Update newsletter
