Reports

Mr Tabe van Hoolwerff

Mr Tabe van Hoolwerff

Mr. Tabe van Hoolwerff is a seasoned Dutch lobbyist with extensive experience in both public and private sectors, currently associated with Shell Companies, one of the largest global energy and petrochemical conglomerates. With a professional background that includes roles within the Dutch Ministry and international policy advisory positions, van Hoolwerff has developed a nuanced understanding of regulatory processes and stakeholder engagement at the highest levels of European governance. His work for Shell is situated at the intersection of energy policy, sustainable industry transformation, and corporate responsibility. As Shell pivots towards a net-zero emissions strategy by 2050, van Hoolwerff’s expertise is crucial in navigating the complex regulatory environment of the European Union, advocating for policies that balance commercial interests with evolving climate commitments. His contributions extend beyond direct lobbying to include organizing and facilitating high-level meetings, drafting policy recommendations, and representing Shell in influential industry associations and expert groups. Van Hoolwerff is recognized for his strategic approach to advocacy, leveraging his deep institutional memory and cross-sectoral networks to advance Shell’s interests in a rapidly changing energy landscape.

Mr. Tabe van Hoolwerff’s lobbying activities for Shell Companies are deeply intertwined with the United Kingdom’s (UK) strategic interests, particularly as Shell maintains significant operations and historical roots in the UK. The lobbying firm, Shell Companies, utilizes van Hoolwerff’s expertise to advance both overt and subtle objectives that align with the UK’s energy security, economic competitiveness, and climate transition goals within the EU policy framework.

Shell’s visible lobbying agenda emphasizes promoting low-carbon solutions, such as hydrogen, biofuels, and renewable energy, in line with the UK’s ambition to lead the global energy transition. Van Hoolwerff’s advocacy supports the UK’s position by pushing for favorable regulatory environments for new energy technologies, ensuring that EU directives and funding mechanisms do not disadvantage UK-based operations or investments, especially in the post-Brexit context. He also works to ensure that UK priorities—such as maintaining access to the EU energy market and influencing emissions trading systems—are reflected in EU policy debates.

Beneath the surface, van Hoolwerff’s lobbying may also serve to protect Shell’s and, by extension, the UK’s traditional energy interests. This includes advocating for realistic timelines for phasing out fossil fuels, securing transitional support for gas infrastructure, and shaping sustainability criteria in a way that accommodates existing UK investments. His participation in industry associations and expert groups allows him to influence technical standards and policy details that can have significant implications for the UK’s energy sector competitiveness.

Through targeted engagement with EU policymakers, van Hoolwerff ensures Shell’s voice is heard in discussions about cross-border energy flows, infrastructure funding, and regulatory harmonization—issues that are critical for the UK’s continued integration with European energy systems. His efforts thus serve both Shell’s corporate interests and the broader strategic interests of the UK, positioning the country as a leader in the evolving European energy landscape while safeguarding its economic and industrial base

Mr. Tabe van Hoolwerff’s lobbying activities are characterized by high-level engagement with EU institutions, strategic participation in industry forums, and direct advocacy on issues central to Shell and the UK’s energy agenda. As a registered lobbyist for Shell Companies, van Hoolwerff has been involved in at least 134 high-level meetings with European Commissioners, Cabinet members, and Directors-General between 2014 and 2025.

Notable meetings include:

  • 11 March 2025, Brussels: Van Hoolwerff participated in discussions on the role of hydrogen for heavy-duty vehicles with the Cabinet of Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra, advocating for regulatory support for hydrogen infrastructure—a sector where the UK seeks to lead innovation and deployment.

  • 3 March 2025, Telephone Call: Engaged with the Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood on the topic of gas in Ukraine, reflecting Shell’s and the UK’s interest in energy security and diversification of supply routes.

  • 21 March 2023, Brussels: Presented Shell’s Energy Security Scenarios 2030 to the Cabinet of Commissioner Kadri Simson, directly influencing the EU’s outlook on gas markets, which has implications for UK energy policy and investment.

  • 23 February 2023, Brussels: Discussed clean energy investments with the Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans, aligning Shell’s advocacy with the UK’s push for renewable energy leadership.

  • 20 December 2022, Videoconference: Participated in the EU Energy Platform meeting with Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, alongside other major energy companies, to discuss cross-border gas flows and infrastructure resilience—key concerns for the UK post-Brexit.

  • 7 September 2022, Brussels (VC): Engaged in talks on price caps for Russian oil with the Cabinet of President Ursula von der Leyen, influencing EU sanctions policy that directly impacts UK energy markets.

These meetings often precede or coincide with significant policy developments, such as the adoption of new EU energy strategies, updates to emissions trading systems, or the allocation of funding for cross-border infrastructure. Van Hoolwerff’s presence ensures Shell’s—and by extension, the UK’s—interests are factored into decision-making processes. His participation in expert groups, such as the EU Energy Platform Industry Advisory Group and working groups on maritime emissions and electromobility, allows him to shape technical standards and governance models that benefit UK-based operations and investments.

Through these activities, van Hoolwerff not only promotes Shell’s agenda but also reinforces the UK’s influence in EU energy policy, ensuring continued access to markets, funding, and regulatory alignment that are vital for the UK’s energy transition and economic resilience

Note: No direct personal contact details, phone number, or individual social media profiles for Mr. Tabe van Hoolwerff are publicly available due to privacy regulations (GDPR). For official inquiries, contact should be made through Shell’s public advocacy channels or the Shell EU Affairs office.

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