Meet our Network – SEK

“Nuclear power is indispensable for the future energy mix as a base power source”

Hans Schoenmakers – Board Member of SEK

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself and your position at SEK?

My name is Hans Schoenmakers, 64 years old, married and two grown-up kids. I have worked my full professional life in energy business; 35 years in conventional power and heat and the last three years in nuclear energy (SMR’s).

2. Could you briefly explain what SEK does and what role they play in the energy transition?

SEK is a non-governmental foundation that takes the energy transition very seriously. To that end, SEK advocates that nuclear power is indispensable for the future energy mix as a base power source. It is the main purpose of SEK to underline this role to policy makers and to provide advice on how to achieve that tole, based on genuine expertise within the SEK-organisation.

3. Why did SEK initiate this Conference on SMR’s and supply chains?

Of course SEK supports the idea that several gigawatt scale nuclear powerplants need to be build in the Netherlands. Basically this is also the government’s view and the majority view in politics. However the realization of that takes time and time is precious. If we could realize some SMR’s some SMR’s on the shorter run, this would satisfy industrial power needs and help alleviate the current grid problems. We need to bring that awareness to a broader public and gain additional knowledge from other parts of the world. In order to create the supply chain that we need, potential suppliers must be convinced that SMR-technology can bring real business opportunities. The Conference will hopefully be the right platform for that.

4. What do you aim to achieve with the conference?

The platform, I was referring to above, consists of networks of important stakeholders. If – after the Conference – these stakeholders share the idea that the Conference has added to the awareness about the role of SMR’s and the idea on how to bring them about in the Dutch energy/industrial landscape, that would be a success. Actually, it would be the starting point of an action programme for the new government.