How do you make energy-intensive SMEs more sustainable?
How do we help energy-intensive SMEs in East Groningen move towards a sustainable and economically viable future?
This session, moderated by Marcel Nieuwenweg, focused on a pressing question: how do we help energy-intensive SMEs in East Groningen achieve a sustainable and economically viable future? With contributions from Prof. Catrinus Jepma (RUG/New Energy Coalition), Jakob Klompien (Economic Agenda / Nij Begun project developer) and entrepreneur Geert Jan Strating (Strating Stone Industry), it became clear that hydrogen can play a crucial role.
The challenge for cluster 6 companies
In East Groningen there is a group of production companies with high energy consumption, the so-called Industrial Cluster East Groningen (ICOG). These are so-called cluster 6 companies, including Nedmag, Avebe, PQ Silicas, and Steenindustrie Strating. These companies face a major challenge: starting in 2030, a national CO₂ tax will be introduced that will increase annually, severely impacting business continuity without timely sustainability measures.
Prof. Catrinus Jepma outlined the dilemma: electrification is not always technically feasible due to the required high temperatures and the overloaded grid infrastructure. This makes hydrogen—first blue, later green—a realistic alternative.
The ICOG case: a national example?
The impact on the region is significant. This could be the first concrete example nationally of a cluster 6 business group that has a viable case for the transition to hydrogen. Within the Nij Begun recovery plan, project leader Jakob Klompien also refers to the East Groningen cluster. Realizing this represents a promising future for these companies, including job retention. Klompien stated that the cluster is indeed included in his Economic Agenda, but that investments must comply with several principles:
- Real economic added value
- Strengthening broad prosperity
- Fulfillment of the 'debt of honor' to Groningen
Practical example: Stone industry paving
Geert Jan Strating spoke candidly about the limitations and opportunities within his business process. Electrification is possible for certain components, but for the production process itself—which requires very high temperatures—the use of molecular fuels remains essential. Hydrogen is the solution here. Strating emphasized that sustainability is not only necessary but also offers an opportunity for innovation and strengthening the region.
From molecule to ecosystem
The visualization above clarified the ecosystem during the session. The demand side consists of companies like Avebe, Kisuma, Nedmag, and Solidus. On the supply side are players like Equinor, RWE, and ENGIE. Energiebeheer Nederland (EBN) could play a coordinating role as an aggregator.
This makes ICOG a unique example of chain collaboration, in which energy demand, production, distribution and governance come together.
NB: At the time of writing, the cabinet, in response to a motion from the House of Representatives concerning the abolition/suspension of the proposed national CO2 tax, has indicated that before considering a suspension, the potential consequences must first be investigated. More clarity is expected by the end of 2025.
About New Energy Forum
New Energy Forum is the festival for (aspiring) mobility and energy professionals and anyone concerned with a livable future. It's an annual initiative of our organization (New Energy Coalition). Entrance, Hanze & Hive Mobility at the Entrance test site on Zernike Campus Groningen. The Entrance Award will also be presented during the festival: the prize for pioneers in the energy transition.
On June 19, 2025, Groningen was once again the vibrant hub of the energy and mobility transition during New Energy Forum. This unique event, now boasting five successful editions, is much more than a traditional conference. It's the most distinctive energy festival in the Northern Netherlands, unique in its format thanks to its combination of content, networking, and experience, with this edition as a standout. This edition was entirely dedicated to DO!ers – the place where action takes center stage. Over 1.700 visitors gathered at the Entrance test site.
