The Flemish ports have a pioneering role to play in the development of a sustainable and affordable energy supply.
As a result, the Flemish energy cluster Flux50 wants to promote their further development as international energy hubs. North Sea Port is working hard to make that happen.
Following the situation, 40 CEOs of ports and leading port companies gave the green light to a new innovation plan. Through structural investments in infrastructure and innovation, they want to strengthen the international leadership position of the Flemish ports in terms of sustainable energy supplies.
As explained, the switch to energy from renewable sources will result in a considerable reduction in CO2 emissions in the port areas. This transition will also benefit the competitive position of the Flemish ports and local employment.
The innovation plan is based on four pillars:
- Drawing up a cross-border energy plan.
- Promoting the development of cross-sector expertise in large-scale energy storage.
- Developing international value chains that enable the import of energy via the Flemish ports.
- Converting industrial sites and clusters into smart energy communities.
Our port has experience of cross-border cooperation between industrial clusters with regard to heat, CO2 and hydrogen – including the necessary associated infrastructure – in the chemicals, steel, automotive and paper production sectors. These innovative industry clusters are clearly the way forward.
…underlines North Sea Port CEO Daan Schalck.
