Building the future on energy heritage
Electricity Campus is the new name for the former KEMA site Arnhems Buiten in Arnhem - a place that now offers companies and institutions, including knowledge institutions, inspiration, networks, and space. A contemporary workplace, developed by City Developer-S and Oost NL. This is where people are working on the power grid of the future.
What makes the former KEMA site unique and attractive?
Thijs van Dieren, co-owner of City Developer-S: “In this green, hilly landscape with monumental buildings on the edge of Arnhem, the Dutch electricity grid was invented nearly a century ago. You might know the KEMA-KEUR certification mark? For many years, this site was the centre of everything related to testing, certification, and development in the field of electricity. We’re now preparing this historic site for the energy of the future. We're making sure all facilities are in place and are setting up pavilions with testing locations, sports facilities, childcare, and a restaurant.”
“We’re filling the buildings with leading companies and creating a professional welcome experience. We’re also designing spaces where companies can collaborate on innovative themes. Start-ups are welcome, but so are larger service providers such as TenneT and DNV, which are already established here. The site also has international appeal: for example, the South Korean company Hyosung has located its European research & development centre here. The KEMA site is becoming a true electricity campus.”
Why is the Electricity Campus important in the energy transition?
Kees Haverkate, fund manager at Perspectieffonds Gelderland: “Grid congestion - the overloading of the electricity network - is currently a pressing issue in the Netherlands. But other European countries will soon face the same challenge. This gives the Netherlands the opportunity to take the lead and set the international standard. That means there are clear economic opportunities. To seize them, we need the knowledge and expertise of a wide range of innovative players. Our ambition is to become just as pioneering as KEMA once was - but in today’s context.”
Van Dieren: “Together with the entrepreneurs on this site, we explore how to use the existing grid more intelligently, and how technologies like AI can help manage electricity. We aim to make an impact on the energy transition, both nationally and across Europe.”
Oost NL contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals
Oost NL doesn’t just invest - it also brings knowledge and connections.
Thijs van Dieren - co-owner of City Developer-S
How does Oost NL strengthen this project?
Haverkate: “Perspectieffonds Gelderland, an investment fund from the Province of Gelderland managed by Oost NL, purchased this site together with City Developer-S. So we’re an investor, but we also help Thijs and his team increase the return on this investment. We do this by creating an environment where innovations can be developed. Oost NL does this in collaboration with, among others, Connectr - an organisation focused on accelerating the energy transition. We believe in this project, also because the municipality of Arnhem is enthusiastic and keen to continue profiling itself as the electricity city. Electricity runs deep in Arnhem’s roots.”
Van Dieren: “Because Oost NL not only co-invests, but also brings knowledge and contacts through its network, we move forward faster. The collaboration with Oost NL makes us a solid partner.”
What ambitions do you share?
Haverkate: “This is a long-term journey. The site spans more than 20,000 square metres and includes multiple buildings. So far, 12,000 square metres have been filled; the remaining 8,000 still require large-scale renovation. That’s why we talk about ‘patient capital’. On this former KEMA site, we are working to develop the electricity grid of the next 100 years.”
Van Dieren: “That calls for a long-term strategy, where we connect social objectives with commercial goals. We’re aiming for a sustainable transition of this historic site, along with the preservation and renovation of the existing buildings. In addition, we want Electricity Campus to become the Papendal of the energy transition - the place you go if you want to move forward. The players have to train themselves, but we provide the perfect facilities to help them reach top performance.”
Go to the Arnhems Buiten.