The Netherlands is at the forefront of an ambitious energy transition, steering away from traditional fossil fuels toward sustainable alternatives, with hydrogen emerging as a key player in this transformative journey.
At the heart of shaping the Dutch hydrogen landscape is Mirthe Kuenen, a senior policy advisor at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK). Mirthe’s focus on making the Netherlands more sustainable underscores the pivotal role of hydrogen in the country’s energy future.
Mirthe Kuenen’s work revolves around the broader goal of making the Netherlands more sustainable. As a policy advisor, she is leading initiatives to develop the Dutch hydrogen market, a critical component in the country’s energy transition strategy. Mirthe serves as the project leader for a substantial European subsidy process, collaborating with other European nations to establish a cohesive hydrogen chain within the continent.
In the context of the European hydrogen landscape, Mirthe plays a crucial role in ensuring that hydrogen projects in the Netherlands receive the necessary support to take flight. This involves navigating through complex legal, economic, and financial considerations, all while keeping a keen eye on political developments that could impact the energy transition.
Mirthe’s journey into the public sector reflects a strategic alignment of her interests with the nation’s priorities. While her career began as a consultant focusing on economic issues, the allure of energy transition and hydrogen became defining elements that led her into the public sector. Mirthe’s ability to bridge economic perspectives with societal and environmental concerns positions her as a key figure in steering the course of Dutch energy policies.