This article provides a summary of a recent interview with Alfen CEO Michael Colijn, originally published by de Telegraaf

In a recent interview, Alfen CEO Michael Colijn reflects on Europe’s growing concerns around energy independence, and questions why this political urgency has not yet translated into concrete action. Despite repeated calls for Europe to become more self‑reliant, Colijn observes that choices to control European energy infrastructure still are not always been made to secure long‑term independence. Why does The Netherlands buy batteries that can be turned on and off in other countries?

Alfen, headquartered in Almere, manufactures essential hardware for the electricity grid, including charging stations, transformer substations and large energy‑storage systems. These technologies play a fundamental role in enabling Europe to manage its own renewable power production and reduce reliance on imported energy. Yet Colijn notes that orders for such systems have not increased at the pace one would expect, given the continent’s stated ambitions.

The CEO attributes part of the issue to Europe’s inherently slower political and administrative processes compared to the United States and China. He contrasts Europe’s fragmented approach with U.S. industrial policy, such as the Buy America Act, which enforces domestic sourcing and stimulates local manufacturing. Colijn suggests Europe should adopt similar requirements — for example, mandating that a minimum share of components in critical energy infrastructure is produced within the continent.

He also highlights the risks of importing foreign‑made systems that are shipped complete with external software controls. For Colijn, relying on such systems undermines security and contradicts Europe’s goal of energy autonomy. Alfen develops its own hardware and software precisely to ensure that control remains local and protected.

Within the Netherlands, Colijn sees further obstacles in the form of slow permitting processes and limited political understanding of battery and grid technologies. Alfen’s own request to expand production capacity is still awaiting approval, illustrating the wider administrative challenges that slow down European industry.

Despite these hurdles, Colijn remains optimistic. With internal training programs and expected regulatory improvements, he believes Europe can accelerate its energy transition — but only if it takes a more decisive, sovereignty‑focused approach.

You can read the full article here (In Dutch and behind a paywall).