Electrification in the Dutch process industry
Themes

Electrification

Electrification is the transition from fossil to renewable electrical energy. The use of sustainable electricity can significantly lower the CO2-footprint of the Dutch process industry. And since this industry accounts for approximately 45% of total energy use in the Netherlands, this will make a substantial contribution to reducing the national CO2-emissions.

Dutch industry has traditionally run on a combination of natural gas and large quantities of residual gases. We need to restructure our energy-intensive processes and use more renewable electricity from solar and wind. This is a major challenge to the energy supply chain. The future energy system needs to be robust and support all stakeholders: industry, transportation/mobility, and the built environment. 

We need electrification to achieve Dutch climate goals

Sustainable hydrogen

To drastically reduce the amount of CO2 emissions in the Netherlands through electrification, we will need an additional capacity of 130 TWh by 2050. This is on top of the existing electricity demand from industry and the growing demand from other sectors such as data centers.

ISPT takes a leading role in developing the technology for our future energy system. For example by designing an advanced green hydrogen plant at gigawatt scale. This design is part of ISPT’s Hydrohub Innovation Program and will be the foundation for the hydrogen economy of the future. 

Heat and utilities 

In the chemical industry, sustainable electricity can be used to drive the primary process. This will lead to more efficient use of energy, reduction of waste, reduced need for separation, and higher product quality. The same holds for alternative electricity-driven concepts that aid chemical syntheses, such as plasma activation or pulsed compression technology. 

The future of energy

How should Dutch industry design the future energy system? How can we adapt creatively to the challenges that present themselves with such fierce urgency? Our program Grasping the Grid addresses the future of energy systems and works on the complex energy grid.

Collaboration is the keyword for electrification in industry

In order to achieve industrial electrification the entire value chain works together. Collaboration is the keyword.

This is where ISPT can play a major role: we feel at home in complex projects involving multiple actors and stakeholders. Within our network and programs we work on new, feasible and innovative solutions that will lead to full circularity by 2050. We are the director of the new economy.

Related programs