On the 21st of November, the BBR has presented its Memorandum on Cross-border Hydrogen and CCS Value Chains at the Conference “Energy Mission Benelux – Cross-border infrastructures and value chains for a sustainable industry” which was organized by the Benelux Union, Energy Mission and the BBR. The chairman of the BBR, Eric ter Hark, presented this document to the Belgian Special Envoy for Energy Security and Critical Raw Materials, Ambassador Muylle.
The Memorandum of the BBR asks for clear actions from the three Benelux countries and to work closely together, in partnership with the industry, to remove cross-border obstacles which hamper the further development of cross-border hydrogen and CCS value chains in the region. The aim is to further support the necessary decarbonization of the Benelux industry. The Memorandum on Cross-border Hydrogen and CCS Value Chains reflects the collective input from the membership of the BBR. The document provides a common position of BBR-members, representing different sectors and geographies, on the most pressing issues facing the Benelux industries and calls for strong public private collaboration across borders to unlock the full potential of this important region.
It is now time to act! The competitiveness of the European industry is under significant pressure as it navigates a very challenging landscape defined by high energy prices, a complex regulatory framework, ambitious sustainability goals, fragmentation of public support and shifting geopolitical dynamics. The Antwerp Declaration was an urgent call to strengthen the business case for industrial investments in Europe. As the current Draghi report states: “We have reached the point where, without action, we will have to either compromise our welfare, our environment, or our freedom.“ Clear climate targets are present, and they ask very substantial investment decisions to be taken by the industry in the coming 12 to 24 months. An active role of the three Benelux countries to remove the obstacles to create a cross-border value chain is crucial. The BBR Memorandum lists the priority actions on financial, regulatory and organizational level.
The region is one of the most prosperous areas in the EU and has a unique position and potential with its harbors, existing industry, modern infrastructures and innovation capacity. The Benelux’s strategic location near the North Sea, and surrounding countries, such as the UK, Norway and Denmark, offers significant potential for e.g. renewable energy, transport of molecules and CO2 storage. The region is exceptionally well-equipped to lead Europe’s clean industrial transition and act as a model within the EU for cross-border collaboration. It is offering strong chances and opportunities to develop one of the leading and most competitive sustainable industries in the EU. But there are also several obstacles which could slow down these prospects and should be addressed urgently.
Open Memorandum: Memorandum on Crossborder Hydrogen and CCS Value Chains (pdf)
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