The Energy Evolution Expo 2025 is gearing up to be a transformative event in the world of renewable energy, with industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers set to share insights and strategies to drive the global energy transition. One of the key highlights of this year’s expo is the participation of Sven Van Elst, General Manager of ASTER, a trailblazing organization in the social housing sector focused on sustainability and energy efficiency.

Sven Van Elst’s Expertise and Vision

Sven Van Elst brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Expo. With a background in Germanic languages and literature from the University of Antwerp, Van Elst initially spent 10 years teaching Dutch as a foreign language at the same institution, contributing to European projects aimed at enhancing foreign language education. His career took a significant shift in 2004 when he entered public service, first as a parliamentary assistant and later as a cabinet member for the Province of Antwerp.

However, it was in 2010 that Van Elst found his true calling in the social housing sector. As a staff member of the VVH (Association of Flemish Housing Companies), he played an instrumental role in shaping the sector’s approach to sustainability. His dedication and leadership were pivotal in the successful execution of the ASTER project, which ran from 2018 to 2022 with the support of the European Investment Bank.

In 2022, after a brief period as operational director, Sven Van Elst became General Manager of ASTER, a cooperative company of Flemish social landlords committed to making their housing stock more sustainable. Under his leadership, ASTER’s flagship initiative—installing 395,000 solar panels on 50,000 social rental homes—has not only advanced the Flemish climate objectives but has also contributed to reducing energy poverty among social tenants.

ASTER and the Renewable Energy Revolution

The ASTER project, which Van Elst has championed, is a remarkable example of how renewable energy initiatives can bring tangible benefits to communities. With the installation of solar panels generating 150 MWp of capacity, ASTER is not only helping Flanders achieve its climate goals but also ensuring that the transition to renewable energy is equitable and inclusive. By focusing on social housing, ASTER addresses both sustainability and energy affordability, offering a powerful model for combating energy poverty—a topic of critical importance in today’s energy landscape.

What to Expect from Sven Van Elst’s Talk

At the Energy Evolution Expo 2024, Sven Van Elst will share insights into the ASTER project’s success and the broader role of social housing in driving sustainability. His presentation will delve into how partnerships between the public and private sectors, combined with innovative financing solutions like those from the European Investment Bank, can accelerate the adoption of renewable energy.

Attendees can expect to learn about:

• The ASTER Project: How ASTER is helping to meet climate goals through the installation of solar panels on social housing properties.
• Energy Poverty Solutions: Practical strategies to combat energy poverty while promoting renewable energy in low-income communities.
• Sustainable Social Housing: The importance of integrating sustainability into social housing projects to create long-term environmental and economic benefits.

Join the Conversation

Sven Van Elst’s participation in the Energy Evolution Expo 2025 will undoubtedly provide valuable insights for anyone interested in the intersection of renewable energy, social housing, and sustainable development. His work at ASTER serves as a beacon of how energy efficiency and sustainability can be pursued in ways that not only benefit the environment but also address social inequities.

Don’t miss the chance to hear from Sven Van Elst and other industry leaders at the Energy Evolution Expo 2025. Register today and be part of the conversation shaping the future of energy!