New regional manager in the southwest Netherlands
Rens Wilbers steps back, Stephan Tiemessen steps up
In the coming years, Hynetwork will be working to build a future-proof hydrogen network in the southwest Netherlands. That project plays a key role in the energy transition and is taking shape one step at a time, in collaboration with the local community.
Over the past two years, regional manager Rens Wilbers has been the familiar face of this project. Not only on our website, but for decision-makers, the local community and various related projects. Now he is handing over that role to Stephan Tiemessen. Together, they look back and ahead.
‘This project is essential for the future’
From day one, this project was more than just a job to Rens, he explains. ‘The energy transition is essential if we want to give our children and grandchildren a liveable future. I find it truly rewarding to have been able to contribute to that.’ He looks back fondly on the collaboration in the area and the process of working together to find solutions. ‘I’ve worked with municipalities, water boards, residents, farmers, environmental organisations and businesses. Everyone in the region plays a part.’
Zeeland: from summer holidays to a dynamic working environment
Before Rens started working here, his knowledge of Zeeland was mainly based on childhood memories: holidays, the beach and relaxation. It was only after he began this job that he realised just how diverse Zeeland really is. ‘A lot is happening here: hydrogen plants, energy projects, infrastructure. That’s wonderful – it’s an important region – but residents sometimes feel like projects just keep coming, one after the other.’
Rens notes that it is important for a project team to keep that in mind. ‘People want to know: what does this mean for me? That’s logical, which is why transparency is so important.’
Transparency as the basis for trust
For Rens, transparency was at the heart of his work in the southwest Netherlands. ‘You build trust by communicating openly and honestly with one another’, he says, ‘just like in a personal relationship.’ And that transparency is important in all our contacts: with residents and local officials, as well as in coordination with other projects in the area.
‘With many developments happening at the same time, it’s important to connect, share interests, and explore how plans can be aligned. Sometimes you can combine projects, reducing the space that is needed and minimising the impact on the local area. That’s only possible if you explore the options together right from the start.’
He looks back on that approach with a sense of satisfaction. ‘We’ve always tried to work as openly as possible. That didn’t mean glossing over the difficulties, but working together to see how things could be done. We did that as a team, and I believe that helped to build trust.’
Letting go is difficult
After two years of intensive collaboration in the region, Rens finds it hard to say goodbye. ‘It feels a bit like getting off a train that’s still moving. You’re working towards a meaningful goal, you know the people, you know the dynamics... you don’t just hand that over lightly.’ The fact that Stephan is taking over does make letting go a lot easier. ‘We’ve spent two months working together. Stephan has known the region for years and knows exactly what is going on here. The project is in good hands.’
Stephan: ‘I don’t want to take people by surprise’
Stephan sees the move to this project as a logical and inspiring step. ‘This is a key project for the energy transition,’ he explains. ‘It touches on energy, the environment and policy choices. This is a complex challenge, but we’ll be leaving a real legacy for the future. I’m happy to contribute by clearly explaining the project and making sure everyone is properly involved.’
Stephan has been working on energy and infrastructure projects in the region for 15 years, so he knows many people personally. ‘It’s a very involved community,’ he says. ‘Sometimes critical — and I understand why. Residents already see so much happening in their backyards, and administrators are sometimes presented with yet another project.’
That is why Stephan wants to avoid surprises. ‘People need to be able to rely on receiving clear and timely information. Even when we think we have little news to share, we want to let them know how things are going. We shouldn’t just reach out to people when we need something from them; we should also check in with them to catch up, no matter how minor the update.’
Stephan sees it as a major advantage that he can continue building on what has already been established. ‘Rens and the entire team have laid a solid foundation: strong relationships, clarity in the area, knowledge and a great deal of trust. This gives me room to continue developing the project and move it forward.’
Adapting wherever possible
Stephan emphasises that a project like this is always evolving. ‘There are clear frameworks, but new circumstances or insights always arise along the way. Then it’s important to look at where you can adapt, provided that fits within the guidelines.’ He believes, above all, that this requires listening carefully and maintaining close coordination. ‘That way, together you’ll always come to solutions that are right for the area.’
A smooth handover and a solid foundation for the future
What connects Rens and Stephan is their conviction that you can only make progress by working together. ‘Keeping in contact, being visible, communicating openly – that remains the common thread,’ Stephan says. ‘I look forward to continuing to shape the project, together with everyone involved.’ Rens concludes: ‘It’s a wonderful project. I’m handing it over with confidence because I know it’ll be in good hands.’
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