The energy transition is a complex technical, financial, markets, and societal-political challenge. Energy infrastructure that took more than 150 years to develop must now be modified or replaced in less than 25 years to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

A central task is to shift today’s energy consumption pattern — from approximately 20% electricity and 80% fuels — to a future system with 80% electricity and 20% fuels. Yet even in a net zero emissions energy system, the world will continue to require fuels and chemicals for sectors like heavy-duty transport and plastics production.

The expertise and project management capabilities of the current petrochemical industry are the same required for the production of eFuels and eChemicals using biogenic CO₂ and green hydrogen. Building the infrastructure needed — new factories, CO₂ pipelines, hydrogen networks — will greatly benefit from the existing petrochemical industry’s technical and regulatory knowledge, market access, and financing capabilities.

The Netherlands National Committee strategy is to leverage the country’s extensive energy industry and infrastructure to bridge the new and the old.

Young Professionals are particularly welcome to join the Committee in its strategic focus to provide our society with sustainable and affordable energy.