Ayda Frings

YEP period 2022 - 2024, batch 26

YEP role

On behalf of Greenlink Energy and as Young Expert, I work as Technical Manager and Project Engineer in Tanzania. I work together with my Tanzanian and Dutch colleagues on the realisation of on and off-grid projects. In my role, I am responsible for a wide spectrum of activities such as: project management, designing projects, coordination of the team, client contact, developing new technologies, business development, and more.

Skills

I have a background in engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology. Within my studies, my passions for the energy transition and international development came together. I learnt to understand and develop technologies in the field of renewable energy. This means I have the capability to understand technologies quickly and able to speak the language of engineers. However, I also learned to understand economic and societal aspects in a national and international field. These aspects play an equally important role in the eventual implementation and acceptance of renewable energy sources. Moreover, climate change is a worldwide problem which we cannot solve on our own and, therefore, I focused during my studies on international developments. As a result, I am an all-round energy expert who builds bridges between disciplines, countries and people.

Other skills:

• Analytical, organised, innovative, overseeing the bigger picture
• Cultural sensitive, context-oriented, adaptive
• Pro-active, enthusiastic, eager to learn
• Responsible, resourceful, committed
• Team player with networking skills

Background

• Nationality: Dutch
• Education:
  • MSc. Innovation Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology
    • Minor: Global Sustainability
  • BSc. Sustainable Innovation, Eindhoven University of Technology
    • Minor: Renewable Energy Sources (Mechanical Engineering), Business Development & Economics (Industrial Engineering)

Experience before YEP

Before YEP Programmes, I worked a.o. as a programme advisor at RVO, Economic and Policy officer at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Oman and research scientist for e.g. Rural Spark, ANWB, The Idealist and the municipality of Eindhoven.

Furthermore, I did several other activities. For example, I was selected to be part of the West Wing which is the think tank of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I did honors academy during my time at the university, and I was chosen as an energy talent in 2020.