When Bram moved to Australia in late 2022, he brought with him more than 17 years of experience in one of the world’s fastest-growing renewable energy sectors, offshore wind. Now leading ArchTam’s offshore wind strategy in Australia and New Zealand, Bram is applying that deep global knowledge to help stand up a new industry from the ground up.

What excites you most about contributing to a new industry from the ground up?

When I moved to Australia in late 2022, I brought with me over 17 years of offshore wind experience from Europe, an industry I’ve seen grow from its early days into a cornerstone of the energy transition. Now, leading ArchTam’s offshore wind strategy in Australia and New Zealand, I get to help build something new from the ground up.

This is an incredibly exciting moment. Australia is at the starting line of what could be one of the world’s most important offshore wind markets. Being part of the foundational work and laying the groundwork for future success is deeply rewarding.

What drew you to offshore wind, and how does your background shape the way you work?

I studied aerospace engineering at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. That foundation taught me to think systematically, solve complex problems and collaborate across disciplines. Offshore wind is the perfect match for that mindset, it combines engineering, environment, infrastructure, logistics and economics into one field.

What really drew me in was the complexity, and the sense of purpose.

That sense of purpose has stayed with me throughout my career.

How do you stay motivated on long and complex projects?

The projects I’ve worked on include Galloper in the UK,  Noirmoutier in France and Hollandse Kust West in The Netherlands. Some of these projects can take a decade or more to develop. They’re multibillion-dollar undertakings involving layers of technical and commercial complexity. Each one requires coordination across environmental approvals, stakeholder engagement, transmission planning, port logistics and offshore construction.

What keeps me motivated is working with teams to solve problems. That shared sense of progress, even over the long term, is what I find most rewarding.

What infrastructure is most critical to offshore wind success in Australia?

Australia’s offshore wind sector is still in its infancy, but the opportunity is enormous. With more than 15 projects in 6 federally declared areas, and growing political and regulatory support, the foundation is forming. Now, we need to make sure the enabling infrastructure is there.

At ArchTam, we’re already known for our strength in environmental and planning services, but two areas will be critical in the years ahead: transmission, because you can’t generate power at sea if there’s no way to get it to land, and ports.

Offshore wind can’t happen without suitable ports for construction and maintenance. This is a space where we offer crucial technical and strategic support.

Where do you see the biggest opportunities and challenges for offshore wind in the next five years?

The global momentum is undeniable. We’re seeing offshore wind expand from its European heartlands into new regions, Australia, Taiwan, U.S., Japan, South Korea, and other countries. Each market is different, with its own challenges, but the need for clean, reliable power is the same.

I think we’ll see a new wave of innovation in areas like floating wind, grid integration, and port design. But we also need to be realistic, this is a long-term effort.

What keeps you personally connected to your purpose at work?

I’ve always had a connection to the wind, and when I’m not at work, I’m often out windsurfing. It’s more than just a hobby, it’s a reminder of why I do what I do.

Being out on the water reminds me of the power of nature — and the responsibility we have to harness it sustainably.

The post Transitioning Australia’s energy system: Meet Bram Derks appeared first on Blog.

She has expertise in developing approval strategies, leading the preparation of project referrals, coordinating environmental impact assessments and considering the potential risks and impacts posed by proposed projects with respect to their existing environments.

What do you enjoy about your role in the energy sector?

As an environmental specialist, I’m incredibly lucky to work on infrastructure projects across many sectors.

How has the industry evolved since you started working in offshore wind?

Since 2019, I’ve supported offshore wind projects in Australia, helping to navigate the complex approvals landscape. In the early days, there were no regulations, guidelines or precedents specifically for offshore wind — it was truly pioneering work. Since then, significant progress has been made, leading to greater clarity around assessment requirements and overall approval pathways, in parallel with the planned development of complementary infrastructure such as transmission networks and ports.

What’s a recent project you’re particularly proud of, and why?

Supporting Ørsted on the Gippsland 1 Offshore Wind Farm marine environmental surveys and assessments has been a career highlight. Not only is it a technically complex program, but the project is a game-changer for Australia’s clean energy future and it’s really rewarding to work with an industry-leading client.

What advice would you give to young professionals entering the energy field?

Say yes! There are so many opportunities across the board, from batteries and solar to wind and transmission. Your timing couldn’t be better to explore the field and get involved in as much as you can. Now is the perfect time to enter the energy sector!

What’s a surprising skill or hobby you have outside of work?

Hobbies, what hobbies?! When I’m not at work, you can find me with my three girls; watching Disney movies, sipping coffee at the playground or getting colourful and crafty…its messy, chaotic and (mostly) good fun!

The post Transitioning Australia’s energy system: Meet Kerrie Aldous appeared first on Blog.