For the previous edition of the magazine, Windpowernl spoke to several young professionals who are part of the East Meets West network to hear their experience in playing a role in the Dutch energy transition and the importance of knowledge sharing between different nationalities. While we introduced the network in an earlier article, we are also presenting interviews that were recorded with individual members. In this article we introduce Dawid Gidaszewski from Poland.
Dawid finished in 2023 his study Sustainable Energy Technology at the Technical University of Eindhoven. His specialisation is on plasma material processing, with a focus on developing new type of solar cells through the deposition of new layers. This should offer a more efficient alternative to the silicon solar cells currently used. As part of this, he is looking into possibilities for a wider use range of solar cells, including flexible use of solar cells, in clothes or fences for example, semi-transparent solar cells that can be used in windows and glazing, or bi-facial solar cells so both sides of the cell can be used for power generation.
He originally has an engineering background with a focus on electricity and heat generation and power distribution. He obtained a bachelor on this subject in his home country Poland. One day, however, he realised that his interest was more directed to a scientific approach.
He also wanted to experience education and work outside his home country. While firstly drawn to nuclear energy, he learned that the choice of English-language educational programmes in this area were sparse in Western Europe. He then decided to concentrate on the sustainable energy sector. That’s how he ended up in the Netherlands.
Dawid sees similarities between the two countries, being that both have a high dependence on national fossil fuels as an energy source (natural gas in the Netherlands and coal in Poland) and are now trying to phase this out. Both countries are facing increased prices in electricity and heating as a result of the energy crisis. The Netherlands, however, has stronger governmental support, more financial resources, a different focus and higher quality of life. This makes it interesting for young people in Poland to move to the Netherlands.
Another advantage of studying or working in the Netherlands is the presence of so many nationalities. Each country is in transition but each have a different starting point, requiring different strategies and technologies. Studying in the Netherlands provides the opportunity to exchange each perspective of looking at the energy transition and learn from different approaches and situations. In contrast to Monica and Oana, Dawid always had a strong wish to go back to his home country at some point in the near future, perhaps after graduating and gaining a few years of international work experience. He feels a strong bond with his country.
There are opportunities for him to contribute to the energy transition there. The past ten years, Poland has made many steps in this area, in its aim to slowly phase out coal production. When he started his bachelor, around 85% of the energy production was derived from coal, now this has been reduced to around 72%. Meanwhile, energy generation from photovoltaics has increased exponentially and wind energy generation is also growing.
However, a lot is still to be done, he thinks. This provides a lot of opportunities for young people with an educational background like him, but also for those with knowledge in social sciences, to step in. •
The East Meets West network is an initiative by Energy Investment Management. Watch the interview with Dawid below. The interview was done by iMarketingBiz by order of Windpowernl. Read/watch also the interview with East Meets West member Mónica Yus Santana.
