With effect from June 1, 2025, vgbe energy has strengthened its Health & Safety (H&S) department: Dr Lukas Biesen, a second PhD chemist who brings a great deal of commitment, expertise, and international experience, has joined the team. Together with Dr Gregor Lipinski, who has successfully represented the H&S division at vgbe since 2021, he now forms the new team for occupational health and safety at vgbe.
What at first glance appears to be a classic personnel announcement is worth a closer look. Two chemists with doctorates in a safety-related field, how does that fit together? It’s a perfect match! Anyone who is at home in chemistry knows all about the safe handling of substances, processes and risks. This is exactly what the two scientists emphasise. During their university courses and doctoral studies, they were confronted with safety issues in the laboratory on a daily basis, for employees, students and equipment alike, an experience that has prepared them perfectly for their current tasks.
“Many of the principles of occupational health and safety, for which we have developed a particular sensitivity in our university training and work, can be directly transferred to large industrial plants, such as power stations,” explain Gregor Lipinski and Lukas Biesen. They continue: ”Safety is not a side note, but an integral part of every technical operation; from preventative measures to comprehensive accident analyses. Of course, this also applies in particular to the energy industry, with the diverse challenges that we and our members face every day in the various energy conversion technologies.”
Safety as the origin of the association
It is no coincidence that occupational safety has always played a central role at vgbe. The association was founded in 1920 as a direct result of the tragic boiler explosion at the Reisholz power plant in Düsseldorf. At that time, it became clear that plant reliability, availability and, in particular, the protection and health of people must go hand in hand. This founding motive still characterises vgbe’s work today and is also reflected in the consistent further development of the H&S division.
Broad-based expertise – also for new challenges
Together with Gregor Lipinski, Lukas Biesen will be responsible for H&S activities in all technologies managed by vgbe, from conventional power plant operation to renewable energies and the nuclear sector. Dismantling and repurposing will play a special role in both fossil and nuclear power plants.
The transformation of the energy landscape also brings with it new safety-related issues: hydrogen, offshore wind farms, hydropower, photovoltaics and storage technologies require new approaches, attention and expertise.
A strong duo for safety and health protection
vgbe is delighted to have successfully strengthened its team. With Dr Gregor Lipinski and Dr Lukas Biesen, a competent and committed team is ready to tackle both tried-and-tested and new tasks in the area of health and safety with expertise, foresight and dedication. Together, they are ensuring that safety and health protection remain a high priority in the energy sector in the future.
