City of energy transition

The special composition of the Rotterdam metropolitan region features the biggest port in Europe, the industrial and petrochemical clusters based here and the related logistics. It is also a very densely populated region. This unique mix makes Rotterdam perfectly positioned to play a prominent role and be the logical centre where many innovations are taking shape.

The eyes of the world are on Rotterdam as a leading city in the energy transition. And with good reason. Rotterdam, located on the North Sea, has the largest port Europe and an extensive port-industrial complex. This industrial cluster largely relies on the use of fossil fuels, which are associated with the emission of harmful gases, makes expediting the energy transition a must. In line with international momentum regarding climate change, scarcity of resources, the need for energy security and in the context of international, national and local ambitions, and with the port’s ambition to be fully climate neutral by 2050, it’s crucial to make our city and port future proof. And that requires innovation.

As hydrogen hub, Rotterdam is attracting significant international investments, leveraging its strategic location, robust infrastructure, existing industries and a supportive business ecosystem. Rotterdam’s forward-thinking approach, its inventiveness and DNA for hard work and experimenting not only bolster the city’s energy security but also positions it as a leader in the transition to renewable fuels. Citizens and visitors alike can witness this ongoing transformation firsthand, as the world’s first hydrogen powered water taxis are already sailing the river Maas and with the Future Mobility Park as testing ground for sustainable transport innovations, such as the Hardt Hyperloop.

Rotterdam’s commitment to innovation extends beyond corporate investments. The city’s vibrant ecosystem nurtures and supports innovative start-up and scale-ups companies fostering a culture of collaboration and experimentation. Rotterdam’s citizens are also actively involved in its energy transition efforts, with municipal energy coaches advising and helping to contribute in insulating homes and reducing emissions. All with one common goal: working towards tomorrow’s energy system.

Then, there is the port and industrial complex. The businesses and activities in this cluster are part of the global energy market and contribute to the import, export and production of energy for heavy industry. In line with European and national climate targets, Rotterdam wants to be carbon neutral in 2050. To achieve this, the focus is on carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS), hydrogen, wind at sea, efficient (re)use of energy and resources, and electricity.

A successful energy transition will require unwavering commitment, perseverance, innovative power, courage, cooperation, knowledge exchange and experimentation. All of which come together in Rotterdam. The local Rotterdam government is investing heavily in the energy transition, based on the principle that the energy transition must be affordable for all Rotterdam residents and that measures for energy transition and climate adaptation must stimulate employment in the sectors in transition. Special budgets and programmes (including the sustainability transition budget, the energy transition fund, energy transition loans, climate tables and a new subsidy for hydrogen innovations) stimulate innovation, essential for a successful transition.

The specific Rotterdam situation and the special ecosystem create special business opportunities for the region. Rotterdam is the place where people can invent, develop and test solutions and introduce them on the market (Design, Develop, Deliver). A unique environment and why many international (starting and growing) entrepreneurs choose Rotterdam as the springboard to their future. Increasingly, we see that this is related to the energy transition, digitalisation and the development of a circular economy. Port XL is a good example of this. The seventh edition of this annual innovation programme for international start-ups in the maritime and offshore sector started in September 2022. The aim of this programme is to help innovative start-ups develop their decarbonisation solutions and find partners and clients.

The energy transition is a sector-overarching theme, which forces businesses in all sectors to think about their processes, products and services, impact, purpose and the role they want to play in the world. The energy transition thus guides innovation tasks in the energy cluster, but also in other sectors in which Rotterdam performs so well, including Maritime, Agri & Food, IT & Tech and Urban Planning. Digitalisation, circularity and renewable or clean energy are essential resources which facilitate the transition. The urgency behind the energy transition, the special ecosystem and Rotterdam’s characteristic resolve and collaborative and active approach mean that there are many opportunities in this metropolitan area for established businesses to invest in the future, and for start-ups and scale-ups working on innovative technologies and solutions.