The circular economy is an important pillar in achieving the ambitions of climate-neutral Europe. Many ports in Europe focus on attracting circular projects. North Sea Port has a head start: old processes, where oil and coal are being used, are already being phased out. The port authority wants to transform towards the circular economy in stages.
Reusing of materials
Natural raw materials and resources are growing scarce. Production and economic growth must become more sustainable. Materials and raw materials therefore need be reused as much as possible: in the circular economy, residual, waste and energy flows become new raw materials. The port authority is committed to boost the use of these renewable raw materials. Chains are emerging for the recovery or recycling of goods (such as hot water, steam, heat, scrap, bio-based chemicals, Carbon Capture and Use (CCU)).
Selection of circular activities
The market for circular projects is large and growing fast. This enables North Sea Port to select for circular activities that will improve the port. To this end, the port authority is providing plenty of space and the right infrastructure. By 2025, it aims to have a cluster area of 150 hectares available for circular projects and to attract at least 10 innovative circular activities involving innovative technologies or processes. Those activities must be complementary to the seven spearhead sectors in order to remain focused on the future: chemicals, steel, building materials, energy, automotive, food and feed and value added logistics.
The development of a circular economy will require extensive cooperation. We are encouraging customers to set up cycles. And we are seeking new parties, such as research institutes and startups that can contribute to our circularity.