Connectr presents the paper The Programme Council as a Compass for the Energy Cluster in the Lifeport Region.
This document describes how Connectr has guided the energy cluster in the Arnhem–Nijmegen region over the past five years, and which strategic choices will determine our course in the years ahead.

Together with companies, educational institutions and knowledge partners, we are building a strong economic region where innovative solutions for the energy transition are developed, tested and scaled up. In this process, Connectr acts as connector and accelerator, with the Programme Council serving as the substantive compass.

The power of focus

From the very beginning, Connectr and the Programme Council have made clear choices: focusing on themes in which our region demonstrably excels. Electricity — deeply rooted in Arnhem’s DNA — forms the starting point, followed logically by the development of strong positions in charging infrastructure, energy storage and system integration.
The Programme Council sets the direction based on time to market, market momentum and regional strength, ensuring that all efforts reinforce one another toward real-world application and scaling.

What this focus has delivered

The results of this joint approach are both visible and tangible:

• A strong community around heavy-duty charging infrastructure, including ElaadNL’s internationally leading test lab for electric trucks.
• A growing ecosystem focused on zero-emission construction sites and festivals, featuring electric machinery, sustainable generators and storage systems.
• The launch of the Urban Energy Systems community, aimed at energy concepts for the built environment — from building despite grid congestion to future-proof neighbourhoods.
• Shared facilities such as the Energy Demo Field, test labs and programmes for storage, safety, testing and certification.
• Increasing national and international visibility of Arnhem–Nijmegen as a hotspot for energy innovation.

Invitation: present and join the discussion

On 3 March 2026, from 14:00 to 17:00, we will present and discuss this paper during an interactive session at Connectr.
We will share our direction and invite dialogue on how partners — from their own roles — can contribute to the further development of the energy innovation ecosystem.

Date: 3 March 2026
Time: 14:00 – 17:00
Location: Connectr – Shared Office

We look forward to welcoming you and continuing to build together toward a future-proof and powerful energy cluster in the Lifeport region.

Unable to attend? Please let us know via communicatie@connectr.nu. We carefully tailor catering to the number of attendees so that, together, we can prevent food waste.