Systems Engineering of the Energy System : PMC SEES Vision and Research Outlook

The Dutch energy transition is entering an important next phase. Achieving a climate-neutral, resilient, and future -proof energy system by 2050 will require a significant acceleration in the development, integration, and operation of energy infrastructure. The sector is confronted with major challenges: rapidly increasing electricity demand, the electrification of industry and homes, the integration of renewable energy sources, limited public space, complex permitting processes, and a persistent shortage of skilled personnel. These issues are further intensified by the growing complexity and interdependencies of
energy systems, the need for cross-sectoral integration, and the ongoing societal and political expectations for reliability, affordability, and sustainability : expectations that must still be met in an increasingly complex environment. Systems Engineering (SE) is essential to mastering this complexity and accelerating the energy transition [1] [2]. The SEES (Systems Engineering of the Energy System) program, as outlined in this vision document, provides a coordinated, systems engineering-driven approach to address the sector’s most pressing engineering needs. The program’s mission is to foster excellence in systems engineering across the energy sector, enabling organizations to design, integrate, and deploy complex systems with confidence and agility. The key needs and challenges addressed in this vision are the following:
1. Accelerate energy infrastructure delivery through modularization, standardization, and digitalization for faster, smarter, and more reliable project execution.
2. Enhancing energy system s flexibility and increasing utilization by providing advanced systems engineering practises for embedding digital and modular architectures and systems that support realization of dynamic and energy solutions.
3. Foster cross -sector collaboration to manage complexity and align technical, business, and societal objectives.
4. Embed security and resilience throughout the energy system lifecycle, ensuring robust and adaptive energy systems in a dynamic environment.
5. Advance digital systems engineering by adopting model-based, data-driven methods and interoperable digital tools, enabling efficient design, integration, and lifecycle management across the sector.
6. Develop future competencies by investing in systems engineering skills, digital fluency, and continuous learning.
Strengthening systems engineering, including digital systems engineering , is critical for the Dutch energy sector to deliver on the ambitions of the energy transition. By adopting advanced SE practices, stakeholders can accelerate innovation, manage complexity, and ensure that future energy systems are reliable, affordable, and sustainable.