Erich Schuster works at Arcadis on one of the most urgent puzzles of this moment: how do we accelerate the energy transition in a country where space, time and grid capacity are scarce? He advises governments and market parties on how to get complex energy projects off the ground faster — from offshore wind to the next generation of nuclear power plants.
He is the author of the Arcadis report Vertrouwen in elkaar, sneller beslissen, anders omgaan met risico's, which demonstrates that energy projects can move 20–75% faster within existing frameworks. Beyond widespread media coverage, the report was cited in the Dutch parliament, personally received by the State Secretary for Climate and Green Growth, and has found its way into ministries and national action programmes.
At ORAM Next Gen Festival, Erich brings these insights to the debate on scarce space and the new economy of the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area — the region that will have to translate national transition ambitions into concrete projects, decisions and results.
The Amsterdam Metropolitan Area faces decisions that cannot be postponed. On energy, housing, labour markets and industrial transformation, the window for action is narrowing. What does it actually take to move faster — and what stands in the way?
This panel brings together leaders who are working on these transitions from inside the system — not as critics, but as people responsible for making them happen. Erich brings a sharp diagnosis: we already know how to go faster. The question is whether we're willing to make the decisions that require it.
The conversation is built around the young professionals in the room — the generation that will live with the outcomes of the choices being made right now.
Your ticket gives you full-day access to all sessions, workshops and networking.
Ilknur Dönmez
Merve Karaman