On Wednesday 2nd October, the Energy Transformation Forum 2024 took place at the Port of Rotterdam, attended by 100 senior executives from a variety of sectors and backgrounds.
The energy transition has moved beyond the stage of mere ambitions and targets and is now in the implementation phase. While some projects are progressing well, others remain complex, and some have stalled entirely. A new wave of investment is essential, yet making the business case stack up remains a challenge. More needs to be done. The energy transition can only succeed if the entire value chain collaborates, which includes mitigating risks on behalf of society. The mantra is: cooperation within the sector, with government and politicians, and with the demand side—the large-scale consumers.
The business community can proactively support policymakers by fostering collaboration to address bottlenecks and by leveraging economies of scale and existing infrastructure.
Industrial policy is back on the agenda in Europe. Costs are a primary concern that cannot be overlooked. It is crucial that the Netherlands remains competitive and relevant compared to our neighbours (Belgium, Germany, the Nordics, and the UK) and within the European context relative to other global superpowers.
Moderators:
Lisbeth Imbo
Olof van der Gaag, Nederlandse Vereniging Duurzame Energie (NVDE)
Contributors:
Peter Bakker, WBCSD – World Business Council for Sustainable Development
Niels Redeker, Ministerie van Klimaat en Groene Groei
Diederik Samsom
Boudewijn Siemons, Port of Rotterdam