On 28 February 2025, ETN Global’s Managing Director Christer Björkqvist, delivered a presentation at Eindhoven University of Technology during a five-day course titled “Combustion Emphasising Energy Transition”. The course was attended by PhD students & PostDocs as well as industrial researchers seeking education in experimental and modelling approaches to combustion.

Christer Björkqvist’s presentation, “The Critical Role of Turbomachinery for a Successful Energy Transition”, was built on ETN Global’s recently published White Paper, which explores the challenges and opportunities in achieving a sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy future. His key messages included:

1. The urgency of climate action

• Climate change is accelerating, making rapid decarbonisation essential to meet net-zero targets.
• While renewable energy sources are growing, the transition must be managed carefully to maintain energy security and grid reliability.

2. The continued need for hydrocarbons in net-zero scenarios

• Gas turbines remain critical for meeting energy demand.
• The transition to hydrogen-based fuels, carbon capture, and efficiency improvements will be key in reducing emissions.

3. The increasing demand for dispatchable capacity

• The expansion of variable renewable energy (VRE) requires flexible and reliable backup solutions.
• A portfolio of solutions is required – gas turbines, hydropower, batteries, heat pumps with increased grid interconnections and smart grid will play a central role in balancing the grid.

Although challenges remain, viable solutions already exist. However, their successful implementation depends on a stable and supportive policy framework—something ETN Global actively advocates for through ongoing dialogue with policymakers and stakeholders. Most recently, this effort has been guided by insights from ETN Global’s White Paper. By drawing on the White Paper in his presentation, Björkqvist underscored the critical role of turbomachinery in ensuring a secure, affordable, and carbon-neutral energy future.

We would like to thank the Eindhoven University of Technology for the opportunity and appreciate our ongoing collaboration.