Internship | Supply Chain Modelling for Wind Energy

Wind energy plays a central role in achieving the European Union’s ambition for a climate-neutral society by 2050. Meeting Europe’s target of approximately 420 GW of installed wind capacity by 2030 will require large-scale, serial, and increasingly local manufacturing of next-generation turbine components supported by automation and reliable supply chains. Achieving these goals will not only accelerate the clean energy transition but also strengthen Europe’s industrial independence by reducing reliance on external suppliers that have long constrained the growth of the wind sector. At TNO, we aim to be at the forefront of this transformation, contributing to a coordinated effort toward localized, automated, and sustainable production that reinforces Europe’s industrial resilience and competitiveness.

This project aims to develop an integrated modelling tool that captures the dynamics of renewable energy supply chains within a production-site context.
The goal is to create a comprehensive decision-support system that enables OEMs, component manufacturers, and supply chain planners to evaluate and optimize production systems for cost efficiency and process performance prior to large-scale manufacturing.

Proposed tasks:

1. Analyze and understand the key parameters and workflows of a typical renewable energy production supply chain facility.
2. Develop a case study focused on a wind turbine blade manufacturing process, identifying relevant operational stages and data inputs.
3. Translate the case study into a parametric simulation model, integrating production, logistics, and quality-related parameters.
4. Conduct scenario analyses to assess different production configurations and recommend potential improvements, such as the introduction of automation or digitalization measures to enhance efficiency.

We are looking for a motivated and independent student who:

• Enjoys mathematical modelling and quantitative analysis.
• Has an affinity for data collection and analysis, and feels comfortable engaging with different stakeholders to gather relevant information.
• Is currently living in the Netherlands and enrolled in an academic Master’s program in Engineering.
• Possesses strong communication skills in English, both verbal and written.
• Is available to start as soon as possible for a minimum duration of six months.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.