Zeeland: without industry, there is no chance of a sustainable future for the region

Without intervention, companies and investments are at risk of disappearing, with far-reaching consequences for employment, broad prosperity and the sustainability of the region. With this slogan, a broad coalition in Zeeland, including North Sea Port, is sounding the alarm in The Hague.

The realisation and preservation of a future-proof industry in the Scheldt Delta region is at stake. And yet it is crucially important for regional prosperity and the living environment, as well as for the national economy and energy transition. North Sea Port, together with a broad coalition in Zeeland, is calling for action in The Hague. This coalition is made up of employers, employees, government bodies, the port, educational and knowledge institutions, and social organisations.

Industry in the Zeeland region supplies essential products, provides a large part of the national energy supply and plays a key role in achieving climate targets. Zeeland and North Sea Port offer unique opportunities: the largest hydrogen cluster in the Benelux, offshore wind capacity, the only Dutch nuclear power plant and ambitious plans for green and circular production. However, crucial investments are currently lacking due to uncertainty about infrastructure, policy and competitiveness. The coalition identifies four urgent bottlenecks that threaten the future of industry in Zeeland: 

• Lack of a competitive investment climate – Dutch energy prices are up to four times higher than in neighbouring countries, which deters investors. In addition, there is no market for clean, locally produced products and energy.
• Uncertainty about robust energy infrastructure – Grid congestion and delayed expansion of the electricity grid are hampering the energy transition. Infrastructure for hydrogen and CO2 remains uncertain, causing companies to postpone or cancel necessary investments.
• Slow and uncertain licensing procedures – Projects that contribute to nitrogen and CO2 reduction are hampered by complex regulations, causing necessary sustainability initiatives to stall.
• Lack of consistent long-term policy and predictability – Constantly changing policy and uncertainties about regulations discourage companies from investing in the Netherlands. A clear long-term vision and legal certainty are essential for the transition.

This broad social collaboration of organisations calls on The Hague to:

• Ensure affordable energy and an attractive investment climate – Harmonise grid tariffs with neighbouring countries, reduce energy costs by investing differently and stimulate demand for sustainable, locally produced products to keep businesses in the Netherlands.
• Accelerate the development of energy infrastructure – Make concrete decisions about the construction of hydrogen and CO2 networks and ensure rapid expansion of the electricity grid so that investments in sustainability are no longer delayed.
• Make licensing processes workable and future-oriented – Prevent unnecessary delays in sustainable initiatives and create clear, legally enforceable rules that enable innovation and greening.
• Offer a long-term perspective for a sustainable industry – Develop a clear, consistent industrial vision that encourages investments in sustainability and offers companies certainty about energy prices, regulations and infrastructure well beyond 2030.

There is an urgent need for action. Without measures, the coalition believes that the downward spiral will continue: companies will leave, new investments will not materialise, and Zeeland will lose its economic and social foundation. The climate targets for 2030 are already out of reach, and without action, 2040 will also be at risk. The Spring Decision-Making Process offers a first opportunity to achieve the necessary breakthroughs.

The broad Zeeland coalition is formed by: the Province of Zeeland, Impuls Zeeland, North Sea Port, Economic Board Zeeland, the Municipality of Terneuzen, the Municipality of Borsele, the Municipality of Vlissingen, VNO-NCW Zeeland, FNV, Portiz and Smart Delta Resources (Netherlands).