On the way to climate neutrality – with 2 billion watts

Our challenge

TenneT is facing the historic task of driving forward the energy transition in Europe. At least 13 offshore grid connection systems are to be built in the North Sea by 2031 – an ambitious goal that will supply up to 35 million European households with green wind energy. ‘A new standardised platform, a new certified cable system, higher transmission capacity – and all as environmentally friendly as possible.’ With this goal in mind, TenneT, Europe’s leading grid operator, is inviting participants to the 2 GW Conference in Braunschweig in April 2024. Participants are employees and managers of the ‘2GW Programme’ from Germany and the Netherlands.

In addition to the technical and content-related challenge of driving forward the extremely complex implementation process, there is another important task ahead: The rapidly growing, international team must be brought closer together. Many employees and managers in the ‘2GW Programme’ only know each other – if at all – from video conferences.

Our solution

For two days, 170 employees and managers come together in the historic machine hall of the Steigenberger Parkhotel in Braunschweig. An innovative conference concept enables participants to share knowledge, optimise processes and develop a sense of community.

The programme breaks with conventional approaches. Multi-stage barcamp-style workshops give participants the opportunity to select topics flexibly and discuss them from different perspectives. A ticket system on a central wall matrix supports dynamic dialogue.

Playful elements also encourage socialising. When registering, participants can choose ‘superpower’ stickers and thus create opportunities for dialogue or make hidden talents visible. A microphone and feedback through glass marbles enable direct and appreciative dialogue.

Additionally, the inspiranten produce video interviews in advance. These provide a stage for high-calibre representatives of the partner companies and offer deep insights into the strategic partnership with TenneT – including its benefits and challenges.

Our success

The conference achieves its core objectives with great success:

• Intensive exchange of knowledge:
  Participants exchange comprehensive information on the current status of implementation.
• Strengthening the team spirit:
  Employee involvement is promoted; team cohesion grows.
• Promoting cooperation:
  Standardisation and effective collaboration come into focus.
• Future-orientation:
  The ‘2GW Programme’ is given a clear focus on future developments.

The conclusion: The 2GW Conference is far more than just a meeting of project managers in the two countries – it is a strategic milestone on the road to Europe’s green energy future.

The inspiranten are delighted to have contributed to the success of this forward-looking project.