What does a membership at NedZero actually yield? We are often asked that question. We put it to Katja Naber- van der Aa , Commercial Manager at our member Port of Den Helder. And to Nicole Buissing , Community Manager at NedZero. Buissing visits members daily and represents their interests. She is also an active player on social media and at events at home and abroad. She knows better than anyone what is going on and what our members need : knowledge transfer, advocacy and network benefits.
Direct lid worden Meer weten“It is very pleasant to be able to have direct contact with an organization that is fully committed to the wind. Our experience is also that our wishes are listened to carefully. And if NedZero can do something about that, the challenge is immediately taken up with vigour.” Katja Naber- van der Aa , Commercial Manager at our member Port of Den Helder.
The Harbour Table
Naber-van der Aa cites the example of consultations via the Port Table. "An important and urgent topic for us is the modifications of the port infrastructure, necessary for the transport of ever-larger wind turbines. At the European level, the subject is put on the agenda by WindEurope, but we wanted to draw attention to this at the national level as well.
When we made this known a year or two ago to NWEA, which was still the case at the time, they acted quickly on both sides. In a short period of time, various port parties were united and a letter for a joint approach was sent to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. At the initiative of NedZero, we are now working together through the so-called Port Table in order to be able to take the next steps in the coming period."
What is the added value of NedZero?
Nicole Buissing recognizes the experiences of Naber-van der Aa. She sees a top 3 of benefits:
"Knowledge transfer, through the in-house expertise of the sector specialists, especially for offshore wind, onshore wind, financing, export and internationalisation. In this way, we offer the entire spectrum of knowledge in the wind industry.
Advocacy for our members, especially in government, is our primary goal. In addition, we offer our members opportunities to get in touch with each other and make use of each other's expertise. For example, during our annual WindDay where we bring current topics and people together and at joint pavilions at major trade fairs where we offer access and entrance. In many cases, with special member benefits as additional network benefits."
Are there different types of memberships?
Buissing: "That's right. With different powers depending on the turnover size of the company represented.
Premium members are automatically on the General Board. These members are also present, for example, at the discussions with the government about the tender processes.
Any member can stand as a candidate for a committee. You have to be chosen for that and there is a limited number of places available in the various committees. In addition, also in order to be able to guarantee the right broad delegation from the entire sector, every member can become an agenda member. This means that you get to see all agendas and other documents and can get in touch with a committee if you wish."
What happens when a new member joins?
Buissing: "Every membership starts with an extensive conversation. Not only to be able to get to know each other thoroughly, but also to hear exactly where the need lies that we, as a trade association, can fulfil. Each member is then introduced on our social media channels.
During the General Members' Meeting, new members are given speaking time with the opportunity to introduce themselves. This is of course a great opportunity to position yourself as a company in the broad field of the wind industry. I've already seen a lot of great collaboration opportunities arise from that."
Does the focus change?
Buissing: "Over the past 10 years, we have been working in the industry to build as many wind farms as possible. An incredible job that has been largely completed thanks to a lot of decisiveness and ingenuity and with which wind has become a transition leader in the energy transition. We will certainly continue to do so for the time being.
But from that responsibility, other challenges also come into focus: joint generation with solar, storage and battery systems and electrification of industry. I can well imagine that in the near future, parties from those ranks will also come to us who want to work together with NedZero to tackle the upcoming challenges together."
What's new?
Buissing: "It's great to tell you that from next year we will be organising knowledge sessions for our members. One of the topics I can already commit to is AI and its possibilities for the wind industry. A more detailed interpretation of this and other topics will be announced shortly."