Brightsite Connaction Event 2050 Kickstart

Event

The climate targets for 2050 are clear and the plans are in place. Prime Minister Rutte has even said that we can lead the way in Europe. There is no lack of ambition in the Netherlands. Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine is turning the energy market upside down, China is lurking on the horizon and the clock is ticking. Now is the time for action. In recent years, COVID-19 has proven that a crisis can lead to a new way of doing things. Under pressure, everything becomes more fluid. Isn’t it about time we had a Climate Management Team to follow in the footsteps of the Outbreak Management Team? Making plans and acting alone is no longer enough. We need intervention. We need to let go of conventions, find connections and join forces to work on the greatest task of our time. We will only lead the way if we actually start the race.

Taking our cue from the main theme of our recent issue of Brightsite Transition Outlook, ‘What is required to reach the climate targets?’, we connect guests with important pivotal roles in business, knowledge institutions and government. Because we are only able to realise the transition from today’s Chemelot to the first fully circular chemical site in Europe if we work together. Remco de Boer (Researcher and publicist, Studio Energie) approaches the panel discussion in his own unique way in search of connection and activation. Loek Radix (Managing Director Chemelot) and Jo Peters (Chairman Chemelot Circular Hub) share opportunities and challenges from the Chemelot site, a significant factor in the Dutch energy transition. We ask Allard Castelein (CEO Port of Rotterdam) not only to share his experiences in Rotterdam, but also how he thinks we can participate in the energy transition as a ‘gateway to Europe’. Colette Alma-Zeestraten MBA (chair of the innovation working group of the trilateral chemistry strategy and former director of VNCI) is responsible for the expansion to a trilateral context. Because transition is not just a matter of chemistry cluster, but can only be achieved in consultation with governments and the environment, we talk to such figures as Focco Vijselaar (Director General for Business and Innovation at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy), Carola van der Weijden (Director of the Province of Limburg) and Gert Jan Kramer (Professor of Sustainable Energy Supply Systems at Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development and Utrecht University).

Specifically, it concerned the following topics:
– Ambitions vs reality: where does Chemelot stand currently?
– The raw materials and energy transitions, including the necessary infrastructure
– Government-led incentives
– Public support

These topics are highlighted from different perspectives and we strive to translate them into concrete collaboration initiatives to accelerate the time take from planning toward realisation.

In short, a stimulating conversation at a special, full panel, led by one of the Netherlands’ best researchers.

Did you miss the event?

On 5 July 2022, the Brightsite Connaction Event 2050 Kickstart took place on the Brightlands Chemelot Campus. We at Brightsite and Chemelot Circular Hub look back on this event with great energy and satisfaction. The whole afternoon was devoted to intervention. Letting go of conventions, searching for connection and working together on the greatest task of our time. We only become leaders if we actually start the race.