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"Energy Science taught me how to be the link between technology and business within my company."

How did you experience your study time at Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ?

I really enjoyed my student days. I think the Energy Science programme is a very good combination of different types of subjects and projects. Energy Science students end up in the entire Dutch energy sector, so you can create a nice network for you working life during your studies. I strongly believe it is very important to do other things besides your studies. It does not matter whether it is work, hobby, sport, or association activities. The more you meet different types of people during your studies, the easier the transition to work will be.

How did the Energy Science programme help you in your current work?

Energy Science offers a very good basis. During the study, students are prepped to ultimately ensure the implementation of new technology in business. The cliché that you can make the link between technology and business within a company has definitely rang true. Ultimately, it is not so much about the subjects you are taught, but more about the academic way of thinking and analyzing. When you start your first job that way of thinking really helps you acquire the specific professional knowledge you need.

Why did you start working at SkyNRG after your studies?

I wrote my thesis on investments in sustainable fuels, with a focus on aviation. My thesis supervisor, Sierk de Jong, was working part-time at SkyNRG in addition to his work as a PhD candidate. I heard good stories about SkyNRG and I found aviation a very interesting sector. So after completing my thesis I was very excited to do an internship at SkyNRG. After that I never left. I strongly support the internship opportunities within the study programme. The fact that you can do a (less scientifically focused) internship that is of use to a company is very nice. It gives you the opportunity to really get to know a company and its activities.

What does your work at SkyNRG look like exactly?

I am a project lead within our Future Fuels team. The whole team works on approximately fifteen projects worldwide which focus on pre-commercial technologies. I am responsible for about five of these projects. They mostly focus around synthetic kerosene production routes, where CO2 is the raw material. In these project we work together with technology developers and our aim is to take these technologies to the next step in terms of commercialization. Which may mean that we start a pilot project together or that we carry out a study into the feasibility of a new factory. In addition to the project work, I also regularly attend conferences to meet new partners and show them what SkyNRG can contribute.

What makes your work fun and challenging?

At SkyNRG I work with a very talented team. We work hard, but company outings and drinks are an important part of the culture. It is very motivating to work in an industry that is currently in the spotlight and in which SkyNRG has built up a great track record over the past ten years. For me personally it is great fun to work on various projects with both large multinationals and start-ups. Since it is still a relatively new industry, you can make an impact quickly as an employee at SkyNRG.