The Port of Rotterdam Authority aims to be CO2 neutral by 2050 to contribute to Netherlands’ plans to become a CO2 neutral economy.
The authority has predicted that “a lot of research and experimentation” is needed as many of its operations are based on fossil energy despite Europe’s largest port and industrial complex holding the record for the largest bio-based cluster on the continent.
There are major opportunities for significant CO2 reduction as 18% of Dutch CO2 is emitted by the port.
The authority has said that it is prepared to address the Paris Climate Agreement “quickly and energetically” and added that it is actively looking for companies that want to set up operations that contribute to CO2 reduction.
It will offer support with accommodation conditions, connecting infrastructure, support with permit applications and financing. Regional, national and European governments have also been offered the opportunity to contribute financially to research and the financial gap for pilot projects.
Allard Castelein, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, said: “The port area has many companies that use fossil resources to make fuels and countless chemical products. These companies emit a lot of CO2, but also have a lot of knowledge about energy, energy-intensive production processes, and CO2 reduction.
“This makes the Port of Rotterdam exceptionally well-positioned to be an international leader in the development and large scale application of technologies to reduce industrial CO2 emissions virtually to zero.”
Rotterdam’s projects in CO2 reduction include using residual heat from the port for district heating, a pilot project for carbon capture and storage and production of biofuels and bioplastics.
Castelein added: “The Port of Rotterdam Authority intends to play a pioneering role and make the port an inspiring example for the global energy transition. The knife cuts both ways: we are fighting climate change while making sure that Rotterdam’s port and industrial complex will continue to be a strong contributor to Dutch prosperity and employment after 2050.”
