The Paris Agreement brought the imperative for the energy transition to a head. Following the first tentative steps by governments and companies, we are now on the eve of a large- scale movement. The need for change is clear, making the switch to sustainable energy sources is less and less of a choice, and we have passed the tipping point. Sustainability has moved from small-scale, experimental CSR measures into new ways of doing business - and new revenue models. Yet these cannot be isolated efforts, but rather require collaboration between stakeholders.

For the Netherlands, famous for its dikes, polders, canals and windmills, the interplay between wind and sea has long been central. However, recent decades have seen a strong reliance on fossil fuels, as evidenced by the port of Rotterdam and companies such as Shell. Indeed, the Netherlands is home to some of the world’s most important energy and infrastructure multinationals. This report views the energy transition through the lens of this fast-evolving market.

Global energy transition - a growing movement

Transforming the energy economy is no trivial task, and to succeed it is crucial to take a holistic and inter-connected approach, rather than a series of separate measures. Industries, companies and households must become more sustainable individually, whilst transforming entire energy systems. Countries must distribute burdens and benefits so that each stakeholder’s contribution creates optimal value in a clean and competitive energy economy.

As the energy transition gains momentum, it’s becoming clear that whilst the challenges are many, so are the opportunities. Companies can and must look forward to jointly growing new markets, backing their pioneering role with solid investments. And with the Paris goals already risk missing the mark, urgency is concentrating minds and money as never before.

Roland Theuws, Partner, Amrop, The Netherlands.

About the Special Report

Beyond the hype, this report contains:

• Honest reflections from the industry front lines
• Insights into energy transition innovations
• A window on the progress of sustainability post Paris

If you are an executive in the energy and infrastructure sector, if the energy transition is affecting your supply chain, growth or profitability, or to discover how leadership peers are tackling high-profile change in a fiendishly complex environment, we invite you to read the full report.

Executive Summary

Our report has 2 parts. In ‘New Energy’, we set out a vision for the future and the key developments of different energy sources. In ‘Stakeholders’ we focus on the social ingredient examining 3 major groups: Companies, Consumers and Government.