"Powerplay helps engage a younger audience in the Energy Transition" – Jörg Gigler

"Powerplay helps you reach a younger audience"

Technical innovations such as solar panels, wind energy, electrolysers and batteries are now well known. “The question is whether we can successfully embed these innovations in society. That requires knowledge, awareness and young talent. Powerplay, the energy game, contributes to that.”

These are the words of Jörg Gigler, Program Director Industry at Energy Innovation NL. He helps companies, knowledge institutions, governments and social organisations collaborate on the energy system of the future. With years of knowledge and experience, he knows the energy sector inside out. “But it is the younger generation that we need to reach and inspire to become interested in this sector. Powerplay is a great way to do that.”

Young talent

One of those young talents is Juliette Linn, Junior Programme Manager for Hydrogen and CC(U)S at Energy Innovation NL. During her studies in International Development, she became interested in the topic.

“I think many people of my generation find it important that their work has meaning. I especially enjoy working on current societal challenges where you can directly see the impact of your work.”

All aspects

“What I like about Powerplay is that it provides insight into all aspects of the energy system,” she continues. “It shows both the complexity and the interconnections between different factors. As the Minister of Energy, you make decisions throughout the game and immediately see their effects.

You can invest heavily in making industry more sustainable, but then you may see energy affordability and public satisfaction decline sharply. Choices have consequences; it is all about finding the right balance. That is something we also see in everyday practice. We work with innovations, new projects and solutions. It is a matter of doing, testing and adjusting, an iterative process. The same thing happens in the game.”

Great tool

“Powerplay is a great tool for reaching a younger audience,” she continues. “I can imagine it being particularly interesting for students in vocational education, universities of applied sciences and universities. It is fast, objective and transparent, and provides simple insights into the energy system in a short amount of time. I would also like to see the game refer players to additional information about sustainability or more in-depth knowledge articles afterwards.” Editor's note: this is currently being developed.

A wide range of professionals

“What also becomes clear is that the energy transition is about much more than innovation alone. I used to think that only people with highly technical backgrounds had a place in this sector. But policymakers and communication professionals are also needed to get projects off the ground and help people embrace the behavioural changes that come with the transition.”

High ambitions

“Powerplay demonstrates that social and institutional innovation is needed for technical innovations to succeed,” adds Jörg. “The ambitions are high, but the budget is limited. It is up to politicians to make choices, just as you do as the Minister of Energy in Powerplay.” Energy Innovation NL focuses primarily on making industry more sustainable. “This is where significant and necessary investments are being made. But it is important to realise that change starts small. For example, by adding more greenery around your home, buying organic food or adopting a circular approach to the products you use. People do not need to change radically; every step helps.”

Juliette concludes: “We need to emphasise what is already possible and make the impact visible, just as Powerplay does.”