Balancing Innovation and Safety in Energy Transition: New Podcast Insights
Amsterdam, Monday, 16 June 2025.
Experts in the podcast explore how to balance innovation with safety in the energy transition by defining acceptable risk. They discuss ensuring regulations protect without stifling innovations.
Defining the Risk Budget
The podcast delves into the concept of a ‘risk budget’ in the context of energy transition, highlighting the complexities involved in determining how much risk society is willing to accept to safeguard innovation. Nils Rosmuller, a lecturer in Energy and Transport Safety, and Ira Helsloot, a professor at Radboud University, discuss how a balance between regulation and innovation is necessary to allow technological developments to thrive while ensuring public safety. They argue that overly stringent regulations could suppress necessary advancements in sustainable technologies [1].
Comparative Safety of Technology
The episode addresses the need for fair comparisons between new and existing technologies in terms of safety. For instance, the potential risks of innovative solutions such as electric vehicles are contrasted with those of traditional technologies. The experts emphasize the importance of transparent assessments that accurately reflect both the benefits and risks associated with emerging technologies to make informed regulatory decisions that don’t hinder progress [1].
Role of Safety Advisors
Another significant point of discussion is the evolving role of safety advisors within energy transition projects. The experts highlight a trend where these professionals are becoming distanced from pivotal decision-making processes. This distance poses challenges for developing comprehensive strategies that weigh the pros and cons of innovations carefully, leading to less integrated safety planning. Restoring their involvement is deemed crucial for the sustainable success of the energy transition [1].
Future Strategies in the Netherlands
In the context of the Netherlands, the discussion extends to strategies for advancing the country’s energy objectives. The podcast aligns with efforts by organizations such as TNO and Topsector Energie, which are pivotal in driving innovation. TNO focuses on research and acceleration of sustainable energy solutions, while Topsector Energie supports initiatives like the Innovation Impact Challenge, allocating resources to projects that promise significant strides in managing skilled labor shortages and promoting technological advancement in energy systems [2][3]. These collaborative efforts are essential as the Netherlands aims for a versatile and robust approach to energy transition, ensuring that policies accommodate innovation without compromising safety [1].