The Province of South Holland, together with the cabinet and Alco Energy Rotterdam (AER), has signed a letter of intent (Joint Letter of Intent). The signing of this letter of intent is an important step towards binding tailor-made agreements for further industrial sustainability.
The Province of South Holland, together with the cabinet and Alco Energy Rotterdam (AER), has signed a letter of intent (Joint Letter of Intent). The signing of this letter of intent is an important step towards binding tailor-made agreements for further industrial sustainability. AER is one of Europe’s largest bio-ethanol plants, producing 700 million liters of ethanol annually for use in, among others, the chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, beverage industries, and automotive fuel.
Arne Weverling, deputy for ports and industry: “This letter of intent shows that industry and government can accelerate sustainability together. With the planned investments, Alco Energy Rotterdam will significantly reduce its CO₂ emissions, save large amounts of natural gas and water, and the industry in the port of Rotterdam remains economically strong. That is exactly the combination we stand for in the Province of South Holland: less emissions, a cleaner living environment, and a future-proof industry.”
Tailor-made approach to industrial sustainability
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy started the tailor-made industrial sustainability trajectory in spring 2022. This trajectory aims to make agreements with industry to achieve accelerated CO₂ emission reduction. The new cabinet has indicated in the coalition agreement to continue with the existing tailor-made agreements.
In addition to financial support, the government helps companies by removing bottlenecks in sustainability. It works closely with provinces and environmental agencies to arrange the necessary permits properly and carefully, with attention to the living environment.
Sustainable steps by Alco Energy
Alco Energy Rotterdam aims for a CO₂ reduction of 65 to 75% by 2030 within the tailor-made approach, comparable to the annual emissions of 30,000 to 35,000 households. Energy savings and electrification will also reduce natural gas consumption by 100 million m³, nitrogen emissions by at least 17 tons, and water use by 200,000 m³ per year (about 80 Olympic swimming pools).
Together, these measures provide a clear reduction in environmental impact and show that companies in South Holland can make great strides in sustainability and a better living environment through targeted investments.
Investments for a future-proof industry
To support Alco Energy’s plans, the cabinet is making up to €50 million available from the climate fund. The company itself is investing €150 to 200 million in implementation. For South Holland, this is an important step towards a cleaner, healthier, and future-proof industry.
Step towards binding agreements
With the signing of the letter of intent, work is underway towards binding tailor-made agreements on the measures Alco Energy will take and their effects on CO₂ reduction, living environment, and health. The province remains involved with DCMR in the follow-up, with attention to a careful permit process.