Food companies want to stimulate energy transition

On Thursday 24 March 2022, FNLI and VNP presented the Cluster Energy Strategy (CES) of 'Cluster 6' on behalf of nine industrial sectors to the Minister of Climate and Energy. This report describes how these sectors intend to further reduce CO2 emissions and what is required to do so. The current preconditions for further sustainability do not sufficiently match the companies' ambitions. For example, a substantial and timely expansion of the necessary infrastructure is essential to realise an affordable and feasible energy transition. 

With this CES, Cluster 6 enters into discussions with provinces and network operators to jointly shape the implementation. Only in this manner can companies fully utilise their innovative power for energy transition, the target of -55% CO2 emissions by 2030 can be achieved, and companies remain competitive.

Diverse sectors

Cluster 6 comprises nine very diverse sectors with companies that have CO2 reduction targets, spread all over the Netherlands. These sectors endorse the climate objectives and companies are taking their responsibility. For quite a few years, they have been successfully reducing CO2 emissions, but the current resources for further sustainability are not sufficient. For example, energy costs are rising while, at the same time, there is insufficient incentive to invest in innovative sustainability techniques.

No energy transition without infrastructure

The attention of network operators and provinces must also be focused on companies in Cluster 6. These companies, outside the big five industry clusters, need access to new sustainable energy infrastructure that can cope with major challenges such as electrification. Besides the infrastructure itself, coordination across regions and provinces is also necessary. Many of the possible solutions to the bottlenecks lie at the regional or provincial level.

Further identification of needs

The current report has mapped out the insights of the participating companies. It gives a good, initial picture of the needs and weaknesses that exist with regard to energy infrastructure. With the input of a growing number of participating companies and together with provinces and grid operators, the coverage of this CES will be further increased. Efforts will be made to further identify and make visible the bottlenecks and needs from Cluster 6 and to strengthen the Regional Energy Strategy (RES).

Download the report 'Cluster Energy Strategy (CES)’ (Dutch only)
Fnli.nl