Chanan Schouten joined Ecorus just before the summer, bringing over twelve years of experience in sustainable energy consultancy. His path first crossed with Ecorus when he helped close a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) for a solar park built by the company — a collaboration that left a lasting impression. Drawn by that positive experience and a shared sense of purpose, Chanan decided to make the leap and join the team full-time.
“The solar energy market in the Netherlands is struggling because of its own success. We need to be creative and take the next step — that’s exactly why I joined Ecorus.”
At 40, Chanan feels much younger than his years. He lives in Landsmeer and is a co-parent to Oscar (10) and Jared (7), with plans to move in with his partner soon. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him exploring museums or staying active — cycling, running, playing padel or football. He’s also an avid reader, with interests ranging from novels to non-fiction. Alongside nearly every book published by De Correspondent he recently read The Rosie Project and The Rosie Effect. His current book recommendation? “It’s ‘Not the End of the World’ by Hannah Ritchie,” he says. “It tackles various climate challenges and shows how they can be solved technically and economically. It’s a positive book about the state of the world, because so many problems are being addressed.”
Solving real-world problems has always been what drives Chanan. With more than a decade of experience in sustainable energy procurement and energy management, he knows the sector inside out. Yet he felt something was missing. “In consultancy, you often only see part of the project — you analyze one aspect but rarely witness the full impact. I wanted to make a tangible contribution to the energy transition, to actually help solve problems instead of just advising on them,” he explains. “By combining my market expertise with the technical know-how of Ecorus, we can deliver the best possible solutions together.” That shared sense of drive is something he recognizes throughout the company. “Ecorus has the same values I do. There’s a genuine, intrinsic motivation here to make the world a bit more sustainable — not just in the projects we deliver, but also in how we operate internally.”
At Ecorus, collaboration between different areas of expertise is key — something Chanan values deeply. “As a consultant, I used to work independently on client projects and sometimes missed that sense of connection with colleagues. Here at Ecorus, there’s a strong team spirit. Everyone supports each other to achieve the best possible result, each from their own area of expertise.” In his current role, Chanan — together with his colleague Mike — is primarily responsible for the energy contracts between renewable assets and their offtakers. “It requires an understanding of the fast-changing energy market,” he says. “I look at the commercial terms, how we can optimize the use of the installation, what risks exist and how to manage them.” Outside of daily work, that team spirit continues. “Ecorus organizes lots of events to strengthen connections between colleagues — and sometimes with clients too. Recently, we cycled with colleagues and a client along several solar parks, which has become a bit of a tradition for Ecorus. Those moments really build a sense of togetherness.”
“I do what I love and, in doing so, make the world a little cleaner.”
For Chanan, working toward a sustainable future doesn’t stop when the workday ends. “For me, work and private life are extensions of each other — I try to minimize my own CO₂ footprint. I drive electric, make my home more energy-efficient, eat less meat and hardly ever fly. If you work in this sector, I believe you have to lead by example.” He’s realistic about the challenges in the renewables industry, but remains optimistic. “It’s unfortunate that the sustainability sector is facing headwinds. Unclear and constantly changing government policies don’t help, and downplaying climate issues in politics certainly doesn’t either. Still, the sustainability train keeps moving — sometimes with a few bumps along the way. Fortunately, there are many organizations that are intrinsically motivated to reduce their emissions.”
At Ecorus, our people are the heart of everything we do. In this series, we shine a spotlight on our Ecorians: the pioneers, thinkers and doers working every day to create a more sustainable world. Their stories offer a behind-the-scenes look at how we tackle challenges, drive innovation and create impact. It’s a testament to how “We Know How” comes to life, bringing us closer to a future powered entirely by clean, renewable energy.
Share this item
