Wednesday 25 November, 13:30 – 14:30 | Offshore Energy Innovation Show @ The Stage
Innovation Award Show Jurymember
David Molenaar (1971) is a systems thinker, energy transition leader, offshore wind pioneer, and entrepreneur. Inspired by a KIJK magazine article on wind energy in 1990, he has dedicated his career to innovation, collaboration, and sustainable impact. His two guiding missions are to leave the planet in better shape than he found it and to have serious fun while doing so.
After earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Delft University of Technology in 1996, he completed a PhD in 2003 on the cost-effective design and operation of variable-speed wind turbines, receiving the DOW Energy Dissertation Award. He subsequently built a distinguished career at Siemens and Siemens Gamesa, where he established the Offshore Engineering Centre of Competence in The Hague and served as Managing Director of Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy B.V. from 2017 to 2024.
Molenaar is co-inventor of the patented Ampelmann system and was honoured by KIvI in 2019 for his contributions to the Dutch offshore industry. Since 2024, he is bringing Green SOCCS to the market, is chairing GROW and, together with Jan van der Tempel, acquired CrossWind’s Baseload Power Hub and re-named it to Phynix. One aim: learning by doing. He is also a NedZero Member of Merit, supporter of The Re-Quip Foundation, and Offshore Spokesperson for Blue Nexis.
Energy transition leader, systems thinker, offshore wind pioneer, innovator, and entrepreneur dedicated to building sustainable solutions through technology, collaboration, and purpose-driven leadership. From fear to fun!
