News item | 26-03-2026 | 09:00
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate has designated 2 Dutch projects as ‘Strategic Projects’ under the European Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA). Minister Stientje van Veldhoven of Climate and Green Growth granted this status to a Sif production facility for offshore wind foundations and Power2X’s eFuels Rotterdam project for the production of synthetic aviation fuel (eSAF), synthetic fuels and basic chemicals in the port of Rotterdam.
Both projects have been submitted to the European Commission as a NZIA Strategic Project, because they are crucial for making the industry more sustainable. The Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) supports the European Union (EU) in developing clean technology and thus contributes to achieving European climate goals. With the strategic projects, the Commission makes clear which initiatives contribute to both the acceleration of the energy transition and the strengthening of European industry and strategic autonomy.
Stientje van Veldhoven (Minister of Climate and Green Growth): “These are exactly the projects we need to make our industry more sustainable. They show that the Netherlands can lead the way in clean technology and at the same time strengthen our position in Europe.”
Projects
Sif is developing an expansion of the production capacity for foundations for offshore wind turbines on the Maasvlakte. These foundations are an essential part of offshore wind farms and contribute to the further rollout of offshore wind energy. This project can make a substantial contribution to the European Union’s climate objective. The project’s capacity could generate 3.6–4.2 GW of offshore wind power.
Power2X is developing an installation in the port of Rotterdam for the production of eSAF (synthetic aviation fuel), synthetic fuels and bass chemicals based on imported green methanol. The project thus contributes to the sustainability of both the aviation sector and the chemical industry.
Meaning of the status
The ‘Strategic Project’ status is part of the Net Zero Industry Act. This act aims to increase the production capacity of clean technologies within the European Union and to strengthen the security of supply of these technologies.
There are no direct financial resources associated with the status. The most important effects are:
- European recognition through, among other things, the NZIA platform and communication from the European Commission;
- Access to advice on financing, including European funds and investment opportunities;
- Possibility to use the status to substantiate subsidy applications, such as with the Innovation Fund;
- Recognition as a project of national importance, which can lead to acceleration in specific procedures.
Jo-Annes de Bat (State Secretary for Climate and Green Growth): “It is great to see that these types of projects are now really taking a step further. The NZIA status helps to speed up and actually realize plans.”
Contribution to European goals
The designated projects contribute to the EU’s objectives in the field of industrial sustainability and strategic autonomy. By developing and scaling up production capacity for clean technologies in Europe, these projects support the transition to a climate-neutral industry. At the same time, dependence on third countries is reduced and security of supply is increased.
Other projects may also qualify for ‘Strategic Project’ status under the NZIA. Companies with projects aimed at the production of net-zero technologies (techniques and industrial solutions that contribute to the decarbonization of the economy) can contact RVO for more information about NZIA.
