For those who see the energy transition mainly as a technical challenge, the NWE-Interreg project GEMS proves otherwise. Behind smart energy systems and sustainable business parks are, above all, people working together. In this series, we highlight the partners of GEMS. This time: project coordinator Sem van der Linden of lead partner Oost NL.
The GEMS (Green Energy Management Systems) project focuses on organizing energy more intelligently across business parks in North-West Europe. In six pilot areas across five countries, partners collaborate on the development and implementation of local energy management systems. By better aligning energy supply and demand, they help companies become more sustainable while supporting innovation and economic growth. The strength of GEMS lies in its practical approach: starting small, testing in real-life environments, and scaling what works.
Regional development agency Oost NL
As the regional development agency for Eastern Netherlands, Oost NL plays a central role as lead partner in the GEMS project. Sem van der Linden is closely involved as a project coordinator: “As a regional development agency, we support SMEs in Gelderland and Overijssel in various ways. The development and implementation of GEMS is a strong example of how we do this.” Through pilot projects in Laarberg and the Twentekanaal area, and in collaboration with the University of Twente, Oost NL is working on concrete solutions for the energy transition.
Within GEMS, Sem co-leads the project together with his colleague Tom Cornelissen. “Tom brings over 27 years of experience with Interreg projects and ensures everything is carried out in full compliance with the program rules. My role is more focused on the content, making sure that what we have outlined on paper is effectively translated into real-world implementation.” It’s a complementary partnership where structure and substance go hand in hand.
European projects as catalysts
What particularly attracts him to GEMS is its strong focus on real-life implementation. “All pilots start on a relatively small scale, but they have the ambition to involve more companies across their business parks, also beyond the project's lifetime. It is encouraging to see how an EU project can act as a catalyst for broader, long-term development in all pilot areas.”
At the same time, GEMS offers valuable opportunities to learn from other regions. “What I found particularly interesting is how well the Brittany region is organised in stimulating its energy ecosystem, through organisations such as Bretagne Next, the Région Bretagne, and regional companies. In particular, the strong leadership role the region takes in developing local hydrogen hubs – similar to the GEMS pilot – is very inspiring to see and something we can learn from.”
Strong collaboration
That exchange of knowledge reinforces the long-term ambition of the project. “I hope we can support all pilot sites in taking their next steps towards more sustainable business models that also stimulate economic growth. Ultimately, the goal is that GEMS can serve as a starting point for broader, long-term development across all pilot areas.”
For Sem, the real inspiration lies in the collaboration itself. The consortium builds on a previous Interreg project (STEPS), combining long-standing relationships with new partners. “This continuity, together with fresh perspectives, has resulted in a strong and effective collaboration. To me, this is exactly how European cooperation should work.”
His advice to other business parks? “Keep an eye on our progress. You might soon be able to use our toolbox yourself.”