Energy Transitions How Rotterdam turned from energy transition underdog to trendsetter
Rotterdam, a Dutch city with one of the biggest ports in the world, is notorious for its polluting industry. In fact, the city's harbour is responsible for 20% of all emissions in the Netherlands and has more work to do than most cities to achieve climate neutrality.
However, there is hope on this emissions-heavy horizon, according to Rotterdam Vice Mayor, Chantal Zeegers.
In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, Zeegers, who considers herself a proud 'Rotterdammer', spoke to Pamela Largue about how this city is becoming a trendsetter in terms of implementing net-zero strategies.
Zeegers shares the positive progress being made across Rotterdam industry and society and answers the following questions:
- How is Rotterdam balancing industrial growth with achieving energy transition?
- How is the city ensuring its citizens participate in and profit from the sustainability agenda?
- What policies are being employed to achieve deep decarbonisation?
- How is the national government collaborating with industry for green operations?
- Which clean energy technologies, resources and projects are making the biggest impact in Rotterdam?
- How are strong "conviction and cooperation" turning this city from an underdog into a trendsetter of energy transition in the Netherlands and Europe?
Rotterdam is the host city for the World Energy Congress taking place from 22-25 April 2024. According to Zeegers, the city is well suited to such an event as it showcases innovative solutions to all aspects of the energy transition and the impacts of climate change.