FAQs

What is Powerplay?

Powerplay is a free serious game developed to provide better insight into the energy system of today and the future.

In Powerplay you play as the Minister of Energy and make choices about how the energy system can become more sustainable, with for example renewable electricity (solar energy, wind energy), sustainable gases (green gas, heat, hydrogen), storing energy and matching energy use to the moment it is generated. This way you discover how complex the energy system is and which choices really have an impact.

 

Why was Powerplay developed?

Dutch people have a clear opinion about the energy transition, but often lack the factual knowledge to substantiate that opinion. This gives rise to persistent misunderstandings and the conversation about energy sometimes becomes polarised.

Powerplay helps to:

  • gain insight and understanding into the basics of our energy system, such as the production, transport, storage and consumption of energy in the Netherlands;
  • better understand why certain choices are necessary, for example regarding sustainable gases, electricity grid reinforcement and energy infrastructure;
  • debunk untruths and misunderstandings about energy, so that the public debate contains less noise and more facts;
  • discover dependencies in the energy system, such as the role of storage, imports, infrastructure and flexibility in a sustainable system;
  • discover that there is not one single solution, but that different energy sources and technologies complement one another;
  • gain insight into the impact of choices on affordability, reliability and sustainability;
  • experience that system integration is crucial for a robust energy system;
  • give citizens, policymakers and organisations factual tools to take part in the conversation and in decision-making more effectively.

Powerplay makes the energy system understandable, concrete and accessible.

 

What is Gasunie's role in Powerplay?

Powerplay fits in with Gasunie's responsibility to increase not only infrastructure but also societal knowledge. The energy transition affects the whole of the Netherlands, which is why basic knowledge must be widely available.

Gasunie provides substantive and technical expertise so that players understand:

  • how energy is produced, transported and stored;
  • why certain choices are necessary;
  • how dependencies between systems work.

 

Who is Powerplay intended for?

Powerplay is made for everyone who:

  • is curious about how our energy system works;
  • can no longer see the wood for the trees in the energy discussions;
  • has an opinion, but lacks the facts;
  • wants to discover how the Netherlands can remain energy secure, sustainable and affordable.

 

What will I learn from playing Powerplay?

Powerplay helps you understand how the energy system works and why choices have an impact.

The game is intended for people who:

  • are curious about how the energy system really works;
  • want to get an overview of energy news and opinions;
  • want to substantiate their opinion with facts;
  • want to recognise misunderstandings about energy;
  • want to discover how an energy system stays in balance;
  • want to better understand why choices are necessary;
  • deal with energy in their work or study;
  • want to experience how complex the system is.

 

Does it cost money to play Powerplay?

No. Powerplay is 100% free for everyone.

 

Do I need technical knowledge to play Powerplay?

No. Powerplay was developed specifically for people without a technical background.

Powerplay is designed to:

  • be played without prior knowledge;
  • build up knowledge step by step;
  • break through misunderstandings;
  • learn by doing.

 

What role do sustainable gases play in the game?

Sustainable gases play an important role in the energy system and in Powerplay.

  • reduce CO₂ emissions;
  • keep the system reliable;
  • transport energy without grid congestion;
  • store energy;
  • absorb peak demand;
  • make industry and transport more sustainable;
  • reduce risks.

 

How reliable is the information in Powerplay?

The information is based on current knowledge and the Energy Transition Model by Quintel.

Simplifications have been applied for playability. More information about this will follow via an explanation.

 

Can I use Powerplay in my organisation, school or municipality?

Yes. Powerplay is used as a tool to facilitate the conversation about energy.

It is used for:

  • education and lessons;
  • workshops and knowledge sessions;
  • municipal programmes;
  • training for professionals;
  • resident meetings;
  • introductory sessions.

 

Why does Powerplay work?

Because people experience for themselves how the energy system works.

  • Immediate feedback on choices
    • CO₂ emissions
    • energy security
    • affordability
  • Factual knowledge integrated into the game
  • Insight into dependencies within the system
    • grid capacity
    • production and storage
    • transport
    • costs and CO₂
  • Neutrality: no right or wrong solution
  • Breaks through misunderstandings without polarisation
  • Provides a shared language

 

How does Powerplay stay independent and neutral?

Powerplay is based on the Energy Transition Model (ETM).

This model is:

  • factual and transparent;
  • neutral and non-commercial;
  • broadly supported;
  • substantively in-depth;
  • the most accepted dataset in the Netherlands.

Simplifications have been applied for playability. More information will follow via an explanation.