New Energy for Groningen
In early 2023, the plan 'Future of Groningen' was launched by Groningen Seaports and New Energy Coalition to accelerate the development of the hydrogen valuechain in the North of the Netherlands. The starting point? To ensure the region structurally benefits from this energy transition, with improvements in broad prosperity, employment, and the regional image. This plan has now been finalized with contributions from nearly thirty government agencies, knowledge institutions, and companies from Noord-Nederland and renamed "New Energy for Groningen." This updated plan serves as the foundation for Groningen's social and economic agenda, as all these parties consider it important to restore the confidence of Groningen residents, resolve the problems caused by gas extraction, and invest in a future-proof province with proud Groningen residents. The report was presented to the Economic Agenda's Programme Initiator, Mr. Jakob Klompien, in the autumn of 2024.
The region faces both opportunities and challenges. Developments such as high energy prices, energy poverty, grid congestion, and a changing economic climate require rapid and smart adjustments. At the same time, the growing international hydrogen routes and planned hydrogen production in Eemshaven from 2029 offer promising prospects. Projects that tie into this hopeful perspective are getting off to a flying start. For example, the companies united in the IndustrieCluster Oost-Groningen are eager to become greener, and a preliminary study looking at the greening possibilities indicated a switch to hydrogen is a serious and feasible option.
Following the launch of the 'Future of Groningen' plan in 2023, working groups worked on various themes.
- Theme 1: Guaranteed large-scale offshore wind landings in Groningen
- Theme 2: A North Sea-Ems tunnel corridor for cables and pipes
- Theme 3: Sufficient space and infrastructure around Eemshaven/Delfzijl
- Theme 4: Affordable and sustainable heat from the region as an accelerator of the energy transition and a measure against energy poverty
- Theme 5: Measures to support local cluster-6 companies and SMEs
- Theme 6: Measures to strengthen innovation capacity and employment
- Theme 7: Participation, for support among residents and businesses
This report, "New Energy for Groningen," addresses the progress and input of working groups by theme. It also discusses the impact of "New Energy for Groningen," the plan's implementation and accompanying action plan, and addresses the overall financing of the plan, including a draft budget. Significant investment is required to implement the plan, which must come from both public and private sources. An initial contribution of €66 million from the Nij Begun funds has been requested for "New Energy for Groningen." The report concludes with a vision for the Netherlands, specifically: Noord-Nederland in 2050.
For more information, please contact Marieke Abbink-Pellenbarg.
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