Hans Venneman (57) has been involved with Xycle from the very beginning as a structural and civil engineer. He played a key role in designing the plant. We spoke with him about how it all started, the bumps along the way, and the moments that stand out most.

How did your collaboration with Xycle begin?
“I’ve been involved from the start. When the ideas became more concrete in 2020, Mariette Smit approached me — she had been asked by NoWIT to help with the environmental permits. Once the location of the plant was determined, I developed the initial design and technical drawings — and later the structural calculations — so we could submit the permit applications.”

Which moment stands out most to you?
“The most nerve-wracking moment? When the financing almost fell through. The whole team was disappointed. But what really struck me was everyone’s commitment. Nobody wanted to give up. We all believed in the project — and rightly so, because in the end, it all worked out.”

What challenges are you facing now?
“We’ve worked with a small project team from the start. That’s great, because communication is fast and clear. But it also means the pressure can be high at times. It’s important to keep focus and separate priorities. We deal with many disciplines, which can be complex — but that’s what makes it fun too. Every day brings a new challenge.”

What’s your main role in this project?
“As an advisor and construction supervisor, it’s my job to keep all the ‘frogs in the pond’ together. At the same time, we’re still fine-tuning the engineering, which requires flexibility on-site. It’s always a balancing act: allowing space for new ideas while keeping the schedule on track. That’s what makes it challenging — and such rewarding work.”

What makes you proud? What makes you happy?
“I’m most proud that, despite the headwinds, we’ve managed to get this project off the ground. That was far from guaranteed. And what makes me happiest now is seeing that the team still works together with the same enthusiasm and flexibility as in the beginning. That’s something special — and I’m proud to be part of it.”