Barend Dronkers
About Barend Dronkers
Barend Dronkers is a Product Strategist specializing in Customer Energy Solutions at E Source, with extensive experience in clean energy and sustainability. He has held various roles in organizations such as Grid Sandbox and Pembina Institute, and has a strong educational background in Mechatronics Engineering and Sustainable Energy Technology.
Current Role at E Source
Barend Dronkers serves as a Product Strategist for Customer Energy Solutions at E Source. He has been in this role since 2022, working remotely. In this position, he guides decision-makers and policymakers in the clean energy sector, focusing on project technical, financial, and community-benefit aspects. His work emphasizes energy transition planning, energy efficiency, and renewable energy projects.
Previous Experience in Clean Energy
Dronkers has extensive experience in the clean energy sector. He worked at Energy Efficiency Alberta as an Analyst and later as a Senior Analyst from 2017 to 2020. He also held the position of Program Lead at the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre for seven months in 2020. Prior to these roles, he served as an Advisor for Clean Economy at Pembina Institute from 2015 to 2017.
Educational Background
Barend Dronkers holds multiple degrees and certifications. He achieved a Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Technology from Delft University of Technology from 2012 to 2014. He also completed his Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo from 2004 to 2009. Additionally, he obtained a Social and Environmental Leadership Certificate from NextUp between 2011 and 2012.
Founding Roles and Leadership
Dronkers has a history of leadership and founding roles in various organizations. He founded the Run to End Poverty initiative under Engineers Without Borders Canada, where he worked from 2010 to 2012. He also held several leadership positions within Engineers Without Borders Canada, including Director of Event Planning and Director of Public Outreach from 2007 to 2009.
Early Career and Technical Roles
Barend Dronkers began his career in technical roles, including positions as a Software Developer at ExxonMobil and a GIS Programmer at Environment Canada. He also worked as an HVAC Engineer at multiple firms, including Emans Smith Andersen Engineering Ltd and MechWave Engineering Ltd. His early experiences laid a foundation for his later focus on clean energy and sustainability.