Erasmus Centre for Energy Transition

Erasmus University’s Unique Role

Erasmus University’s Unique Role Rotterdam: A Thriving Innovation Hub With its strong foundation in social sciences, business, economics, and law, Erasmus University Rotterdam is uniquely positioned to provide an interdisciplinary perspective. By fostering collaboration between students, industry leaders, governments, and NGOs, we help accelerate a just, inclusive, and sustainable energy transition. 

Rotterdam: A Thriving Innovation Hub

Home to Europe’s largest port, a strong industrial base, and a growing green tech sector, Rotterdam is at the forefront of energy transition innovation. By working together, we can push boundaries, drive sustainable solutions, and position Rotterdam as Europe’s most resilient and future-ready city.

How We Make a Difference

Erasmus Centre for Energy Transition (ECET) was established in response to a request from 16 companies urging Erasmus University to take a more active role in accelerating the energy transition. Their goal: equip future leaders with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to navigate this complex global challenge. Recognising that the energy transition is not just a technical issue but a multidisciplinary challenge, ECET integrates expertise in system thinking, economic modeling, leadership, stakeholder management, regulatory innovation, AI, and more. By leveraging Erasmus University s diverse expertise, ECET aims to serve as a hub for driving the energy transition by shaping innovative pathways toward a sustainable, inclusive, and carbon-free energy future.

Our Vision: The Energy Transition Valley

ECET envisions Erasmus University and its surrounding region as a hub for innovation and leadership in the energy transition an Energy Transition Valley. Our goal is to build a dynamic ecosystem that fosters research, collaboration, and sustainable progress, positioning South Holland and the Netherlands at the forefront of the global energy transition.

3 Core Objectives of ECET 

1. Societal Growth: Educating Future Energy Leaders: We aim to equip all EUR students and future energy leaders with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to navigate the energy transition and create awareness of the deep connection with climate and ecological change.
2. Societal Impact: Advancing Multidisciplinary Energy Research: As stated earlier, acceleration of the Energy Transition will not only be a technical affair but asks for a multidisciplinary holistic approach involving many of EUR’s key strengths. ECET wants to play a crucial role to support transdisciplinary research on the following themes: Enhancing Energy System Efficiency & Flexibility: Driving optimization for a smarter, more resilient energy infrastructure. Accelerating Clean Technology Adoption: Advancing hydrogen, wind, and solar through innovation in law, regulation, energy markets, AI, and data analytics and critical raw materials. Navigating the Political Economy of Energy Transition: Addressing the economic and policy dynamics shaping the future of energy. Empowering Citizen Participation & Multilevel Governance: Ensuring inclusive decision-making in the energy transition. Tackling Energy Poverty & Promoting Inclusion: Creating equitable access to sustainable energy for all.
3. Societal Engagement: Building Learning Communities: AT ECET, we want to bridge academic, business, government & society to build (international) partnerships & communities that can learn and innovate together. We firmly believe that the energy transition can only thrive through collective learning and innovation. At EUR, we maintain an outward focus, staying deeply connected to the societal challenges by actively eng ag ing with diverse stakeholders in the energy transition. ECET serves as the vital connector in co-creating societal engagement, learning initiatives, and events that address these complex and urgent challenges of the energy transition.

Researchers

Join Our Research Community
Connect with Doron Gollnast (dgollnast@eur.nl) and engage with fellow researchers. 
 

Apply for the ECET Research Grant 
Secure funding for your energy transition research initiative. 
 

Collaborate & Co-Create 
Work with us on research funding, sponsorships, and seminars. 
 

Explore Innovation 
Discover cross-functional research opportunities and partnerships. 
 

Engage with Industry Leaders 
Set up impactful research initiatives with ECET.

Professionals

Navigate Energy Transition
Challenges Learn through our specialized programmes.


Lead the Energy Transition
Gain the latest tools, insights, and skills.


Tailor-Made Programmes
Contact us at ecet@eur.nl for custom solutions for your team.


Join Our Learning Community
Collaborate and expand your network with industry experts.