Recently Climate Mitigation and Change Management has won a project to contribute to the Regional Energy Strategy for the Region Achterhoek. The Regional Energy Strategy approach is a direct effect of the Paris Climate Change Agreement. The Netherlands is divided in 35 regions who collectively have to contribute to the 50% reduction target for CO2 emission in 2030 by 
means of large scale solar and wind power (35 TWh in total). The approach is unique for the Netherlands: top-down in methodology and overall target setting and bottom-up where which renewable energy contributions can be implemented. It is believed this approach will lead to a substantial (and much needed) acceleration of the growth of renewable energy in the Netherlands.
In this project, Arie van Beek is hired as project manager Electricity. His responsibilities include:
- (Geographical) distribution of the target for Renewable Energy of 8 Municipalities and the Water Authority in the Achterhoek (NL): approximately 1.35 TWh wind and solar energy.
- Preparing its implementation in a (societal) cost effective way in the power grid of Liander
- Draft a plan outlining the approach to implement 0.35 TWh solar power on large rooftops in the coming 5 to 10 years.
- Ensure half of the solar and wind power has local ownership.