Dutch renewable energy consultancy Pondera is stepping into the renewables market in New Zealand. The company has appointed Eugene Bajema as Business Developer to explore opportunities in offshore wind and other renwable energies.
Eugene Bajema recently joined Pondera as Business Developer, based in New Zealand. The company sees good opportunities to support the developing renewable energy industry in New Zealand. New Zealand has set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including bringing them down by 50% from 2005 levels by 2030 – and to net zero by 2050. The government has committed to developing regulatory settings by 2024 to enable investment in offshore renewable energy and innovation.
With extensive experience in the offshore industry, Eugene is keen to play a part in this. Pondera is introducing their new colleague:
How did you end up with Pondera?
I have worked with Albert Ploeg off and on for more than 20 years. So, when Albert and Hans (Rijntalder) approached me about developing renewable energy in New Zealand with Pondera, the response was “absolutely”! I have considerable experience in the management of the design, engineering, procurement, subcontracting, installation, and commissioning aspects relating to the offshore industry around the world, including onshore and ultra-deep water. This includes experience within New Zealand, where I have now lived for almost 8 years again, having lived here in 2006/7 as well. In the past decade I have focussed on various offshore wind and wave energy related projects (which is where I got to know Matthias Haag), including developing a new concept for the installation of offshore wind turbines and working on the development of wind turbine installation (support) vessels.
What did you do before you joined Pondera?
For the past decade I have been a consultant working directly with clients, managing project and engineering teams as well as business and strategy development. Prior to that I worked for some of the most innovative offshore construction companies in the world. As a result, I have had the opportunity to live and work in some of the most amazing and challenging places in the world.
What are your plans for Pondera New Zealand?
Looking at where the New Zealand market for offshore wind and other renewable energy sources is, I think Pondera can provide huge support. The experience Pondera can inject into the New Zealand market, combined with the New Zealand mentality for making things work, could significantly accelerate the growth of renewable energy and offshore wind in particular. It is clear New Zealand is ready to go big into renewable energy as they move towards “Goal Zero”, and I firmly believe that Pondera can play a crucial role in this process, as we have in other markets.” Source: Pondera
