Peter Eecen

Background

About Peter Eecen

For 20 years I am working in the wind energy sector. I am passionate about the development of knowledge and technology that helps to make wind energy the main contributor of energy to our future CO2-free energy system. As a child, our family regularly visited the dunes at the Petten site. I was drawn to the technology development for renewables by the visual landmark: the HAT25 research turbine in Petten. After my study Physics I did my PhD in the field of nuclear fusion, after which I switched to wind energy. As R&D manager I am responsible to develop the knowledge and technology portfolio of the wind energy department, a group of 50 scientists. My responsibility is to shape the R&D programme such that products are developed and – together with my colleagues and collaborators – are brought to the market. As such, I am responsible for the commitment of the TNO research funding, the acquisition of national programmes and the acquisition of European programmes. Understanding technology development, providing vision and setting direction is key to my work. I support policy development with regard to the research programme on national and international level. That is the reason I am involved in several international organizations and I am coordinator of EERA Joint Programme Wind. Networking is an important aspect: develop and maintain relations and initiate collaborations in order to maximise the impact of TNO in the international community- TNO representative in the national innovation team within Topteam Energy - TNO representative for acquisitions in European subsidy programs- Coordinator of EERA JP Wind, leading 55 European research groups in wind energy - Member EU Technology Platform ETIPWind - TNO representative in European Academy of Wind Energy (EAWE) Operational management is supported by me through the development of a technology portfolio, including a funnel with technology developments. I am responsible to commit the TNO-funding of 5 million into the R&D activities of the wind energy research group. Currently working on the development of research facilities: a research turbine and a system integration field lab.