News item | 27-09-2023 | 6:15 PM
Dutch industry is making significant progress in achieving its climate goals for 2030. Eight declarations of intent have now been signed with AnQore, Dow Benelux, Nobian, OCI, Shell, Tata Steel Netherlands, Yara Sluiskil and Zeeland Refinery in which ambitions are set to reduce CO more quickly.2 to emit. The ambitions in these statements can reduce CO₂ emissions by as much as 10 megatons by 2030. This corresponds to approximately 62% of the total reduction required from the largest emitters. Minister Adriaansens writes this in her progress letter about the customized agreements for making the industry more sustainable.
“It doesn’t stop there,” said Minister Adriaansens of Economic Affairs and Climate. “With the industry we are on course towards a greener and cleaner future, because that is what we want and need to do. With our unique tailor-made approach, we stand next to companies, instead of just setting rules. And that is successful. We have signed eight declarations of intent so far and if all plans are implemented we can already achieve 10 megatons less CO2 expel. That is a huge achievement, and with the declarations that I expect to sign this year, we will already reach 14.5 megatons. This is not only important for our climate goals, it also ensures the preservation of our vital industry in the Netherlands.”
14.5 megaton reduction in sight
The total CO₂ reduction of 14.5 megatonnes for 2030 that is now in sight amounts to more than 90% of the targets for the largest industrial emitters. If all custom companies participate, the objectives will be achieved. These results show that the commitment of both companies and the government to make the industry more sustainable is high. It is important to maintain speed and make plans concrete to actually achieve the 2030 goals. To achieve this major change, investments by companies and the government are required. Companies and governments must be able to make timely decisions in order to implement projects on time.
Minister Adriaansens continues: “And that is why we cannot sit idle now, but must continue with this approach, even now that the cabinet is outgoing. In this way, we continue to invest in new technologies that enable companies to produce in a sustainable and clean manner.”
Customized approach to sustainability in the industry
With the tailor-made approach, the largest industrial emitters in the Netherlands are challenged to make plans to significantly reduce CO more quickly2 emissions and also contribute to a healthy and safe living environment, with particular attention to nitrogen reduction. These plans must then be worked out in concrete and detailed terms in order to arrive at tailor-made agreements. A total of eight declarations of intent have now been signed. The government is also in discussions with the industrial companies involved about the possibilities to achieve greater sustainability more quickly through tailor-made solutions.
In order to maintain progress in the tailor-made approach, the government wants to have clarity about the ambitions of the companies as soon as possible and have signed a declaration of intent with the companies that can and want to become more sustainable. The National Sustainable Industry Program (NPVI) has been established to achieve the necessary preconditions, such as available infrastructure, energy storage and permits. This is a collaboration between the government, the business community and grid operators, aimed at accelerating sustainable production in the Netherlands and reducing the impact on the environment. The program oversees implementation and addresses bottlenecks to stimulate investment decisions for large-scale sustainability projects, including infrastructure, green energy (green hydrogen and electricity), permits and financial support.