How to engineer the future energy system

Published on 6 January 2026

This is the TNO-ESI vision for alignment on Systems Engineering methodology improvement activities for the energy sector, and for managing the Digital Transition Energy Systems (DTES) programme.

Systems Engineering of the Energy System (SEES)

Vision and outlook

The Dutch energy sector is entering a new phase, with the goal of achieving a climate-neutral and resilient energy system by 2050. This vision document outlines the SEES program, which proposes a systems engineering approach to address challenges such as increasing electricity demand, integration of renewable sources, limited public space, and a shortage of skilled personnel.

The program emphasizes modularization, standardization, digitalization, and cross-sector collaboration, aiming to support the sector in managing complexity, improving flexibility, and developing future competencies.
Strengthening systems engineering practices is considered essential for enabling the sector to meet its long-term ambitions towards a reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy system.