Nienke is an international expert in energy transition, specialising in green hydrogen, energy systems, infrastructure, and industrial transitions. She plays a leading role in the energy transition in the Netherlands and is internationally recognised as a thought leader in Sustainable Hydrogen Valleys. Nienke served as a regional deputy minister responsible for realizing the Hydrogen Valley (HEAVENN) in the Northern Netherlands.

Additionally, she is the chairwoman of the Koninklijke Vereniging van de Nederlandse Chemische Industrie (VNCI) and holds several advisory and board positions, at the Green Hydrogen Organisation in Geneva and chairwoman of the Dutch Ceramic Industry.