As stated in the VNCI roadmap, it is technically possible to reduce emissions by 80-95% by 2050. The real challenge lies in the finances, organization and cooperation to achieve this goal. The clusters, Chemport Emmen and -Delfzijl offer opportunities. In both clusters we are already working hard on the development of concrete plans.
Recently the Dutch Chemical Industry Association (VNCI) presented the report 'Chemistry for Climate - Acting on the need for speed'. This roadmap answers the question of how the Dutch chemical industry can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80-95% by 2050. According to the roadmap, the sector will not only have to focus on the short term, but the long term is important. For example, investments must already be fully made in the development of technologies that are not yet profitable, but that are necessary to achieve this goal. Chemport Europe, with the Chemport Emmen and -Delfzijl clusters, sees an important role in this.
As stated in the VNCI roadmap, it is technically possible to reduce emissions by 80-95% by 2050. The real challenge lies in the finances, organization and cooperation to achieve this goal. The clusters, Chemport Emmen and -Delfzijl offer opportunities. In both clusters we are already working hard on the development of concrete plans.
Chemport Europe: Changing the nature of Chemistry
Since 2017, Chemport Europe has been launched as a recognizable vignette for the northern chemical industry. With this vignette the Northern Netherlands makes a first step in the visibility and recognisability as an important chemical cluster for the Netherlands and beyond. It is precisely through the pooling of the forces of Emmen and Delfzijl that the north occupies a strong position on the national, European and global playing field. Moreover, it offers the opportunity to promote cooperation between Emmen and Delfzijl and to jointly invest in the development of an economically healthy region.
Chemport Delfzijl
The ambitions for Chemport Delfzijl are high. For example, there is an ambition to become the greenest port in Europe. To do that, it is necessary that the current economic system in the area be tackled rigorously. Therefore, an industry agenda has been created by the various parties in the area. In addition, Groningen Seaports recently started project ZERO. Together with companies, authorities and NGO’s in the area, we look at how Chemport Delfzijl can contribute to achieving the Paris CO2 target. The next step is an implementation strategy that enables Chemport Delfzijl to work on the transition to 80-95% less emissions. The focus is on different tracks: chain efficiency, greening of raw materials, electrification and innovative energy solutions, including hydrogen.
Chemport Emmen
The ambitions for Chemport Emmen are also high. The region wants to become an important player in Europe where it concerns the production of renewed green plastic products and semi-finished products. From unlimited reusable bottle to 100% recyclable carpet. Here too, much has to be done if the region wants to contribute to achieving the desired CO2 reduction. Especially with the idea that the demand for plastics will only increase further in the coming years. In short, a double challenge. On the one hand, the demand from industry in this cluster is rising to fossil raw materials, and on the other hand, new ways of production must be sought. Current processes will in many cases not be suitable for the switch to the use of sustainable raw materials. For the regional industry this means, in addition to looking for new ways to keep producing, investing in production methods that are less damaging to the environment and the climate. The region is certainly aware of this, and entrepreneurs, knowledge institutions and governments are working together intensively to make the turnaround. And with success. For example, the Emmtec Industry & Business Park in Emmen has been declared the center for innovation in chemistry, companies have joined forces within the SUSPACC (Sustainable Product and Chemicals Cluster) business network, entrepreneurs work together with regional knowledge institutes on applied research (HBO) within the Green PAC initiative and the growth of human capital secured within DC Tech (MBO), the sustainable center for green chemistry.
In short, the bundling of forces in the north under the flag of Chemport Europe strengthens the clusters Emmen and Delfzijl and creates a northern fist that is in line with the goals and ambitions from the Roadmap and the Paris agreement.