06 May 2024

CCS enables climate neutrality in 2050

The report ‘Trajectory Exploration Climate Neutral Netherlands 2050’ released by the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) at the end of April explores four trajectories towards a climate neutral society. The conclusion of is that climate neutrality for the Netherlands in 2050 is technically possible. To achieve this goal, PBL sees an important condition: sufficient capacity for CO₂ storage, even after 2050. A shortage of this capacity could jeopardise the feasibility of climate neutrality or significantly increase its costs.

Porthos has always seen its project as an important tool for achieving climate targets, as the first project of this kind in the further development of CCS. That PBL also sees CCS as an essential technology to meet these targets is a nice confirmation of this.

“Pathway Exploration Climate Neutral 2050”, PBL puts the focus on three essential pathways that point the way to a climate-neutral industry. These pathways, rooted in both domestic and international plans and studies, highlight different routes and policy options that can spur and guide industry in achieving climate neutrality.

A central element in these pathways is the production of renewable hydrocarbons, crucial for both fuel and feedstock in various industrial processes. The large-scale development of alternatives to fossil fuels such as oil could bring about significant changes in the structure and geographical distribution of Dutch industry. Various production routes, with biofuels, CO2 and waste as sources of carbon, as well as the role of hydrogen as an important feedstock, are being investigated.

In all pathways, both policy and technological factors play a role. Nevertheless, some robust elements are identified that are consistent across all scenarios. A significant increase in industrial electricity demand is expected, with at least a 2.5 multiplication from current levels. In addition, demand for CO₂ infrastructure remains, mainly for capture, storage and later use in industry. Hydrogen use is expected to grow and gradually shift to green hydrogen, supported by current policies. Imports of natural gas and oil will remain significant until at least 2040, if not longer, while biofuels will mainly be needed for chemical and fuel production.

These findings provide a valuable basis for further policy making and industrial planning as the Netherlands targets an ambitious path to climate neutrality by 2050.

Read PBL’s report at ‘Trajectory Exploration Climate Neutral Netherlands 2050’ r