On November 20, 2024, the Brightsite Connaction Event took place at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus. This event marked the fifth anniversary of Brightsite. In addition to reflecting on the first five years, the focus shifted to the future, with the presentation of the Brightsite Transition Outlook 2024 and the signing of a new partnership agreement with Sitech, TNO, Maastricht University, and Brightlands Chemelot Campus.

Five years of Brightsite: a crucial foundation phase

Brightsite was established five years ago with the aim of accelerating the transition to a climate-neutral chemical industry. During this period, numerous projects were launched, combining fundamental, applied, and experimental research. The event reflected on this initial phase and the significant role of the Province of Limburg, which played a vital part in the development of the center of expertise. Through financial support and policy involvement, the province laid a solid foundation for Brightsite. As its role diminishes, Brightsite is now focusing on deeper collaboration with Brightlands Chemelot Campus and other partners to continue advancing in the years ahead.

Arnold Stokking, Managing Director Brightsite

“Over the past five years, we have demonstrated that by connecting centers of expertise with the business sector, we can create a highly relevant agenda and achieve significant milestones that support both Chemelot and the entire industry in the transition.”

Diederik Samsom: belief in creativity

Diederik Samsom, who served as Chief of Cabinet to the European Commissioner for Climate Action from 2019 to 2024 and played a key role in driving the European Green Deal, delivered the program’s opening keynote. Samsom presented an optimistic perspective on the societal context in which the chemical industry operates and emphasized the urgency of accelerating the transition to sustainability. According to Samsom, innovation is essential but can only succeed through collaboration between businesses, governments, and knowledge centers.

Diederik Samson, former Chief of Cabinet to the European Commissioner for Climate Action

“We see that the transition to sustainable energy is progressing rapidly, but the real impact will come when we also achieve a green transition in raw materials. Brightsite plays a crucial role in making this happen.”

Peter Wennink: the importance of a shared vision

Peter Wennink, former CEO of ASML, explored the economic and technological challenges associated with major transitions in his keynote. He drew parallels between advancements in the chemical industry and the technological breakthroughs achieved at ASML. Wennink emphasized the importance of a shared vision, collaboration, and the willingness to take risks in order to make progress. His experiences demonstrated that large-scale innovation is achievable, provided all stakeholders are committed to contributing.

In addition to the keynotes, the program provided an opportunity for broader reflection on the past five years. Stephan Satijn, Deputy of the Province of Limburg, reflected on the province’s role and emphasized that the collaboration between Brightsite, businesses, and knowledge institutions has led to tangible results. Additionally, a panel discussion was held, moderated by host Mark Verheijen. Participants included Diederik Samsom, Esther Montrée from AnQore, Rob Wenmaekers from Fibrant, and Director-General Esther Pijs from the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth. They discussed innovation and the challenges of launching new green products in a world still heavily dominated by fossil-based resources.

Brightsite Transition Outlook 2024

Een ander belangrijk moment tijdens het evenement was de presentatie van de Brightsite Transition Outlook 2024. De chemische industrie heeft enorme hoeveelheden hernieuwbare energie en grondstoffen nodig, wat een discussie oproept over de toekomst van grootschalige chemie in Nederland. De inmiddels derde editie van de Brightsite Transition Outlook benadrukt het blijvende belang van chemische producten en schetst duidelijke richtlijnen voor een duurzame chemische industrie, met specifieke aandacht voor technologie, energie, grondstoffen en de bijbehorende maatschappelijke voorwaarden.

New partnership agreement

Over the past five years, Brightsite has been supported by the Province of Limburg. “The Province of Limburg has played a crucial role in the success of Brightsite over the past five years,” says Arnold Stokking, Managing Director of Brightsite. “Thanks to their support, we have developed into a center of expertise that not only generates ideas but also takes action, combining fundamental, applied, and experimental research in parallel—a unique approach in the Netherlands.”

Stephan Satijn, Deputy of the Province of Limburg

“For the Province, one thing is central: working towards the future. As far as we’re concerned, we will continue to follow and support Brightsite and all the developments taking place here.”

The event concluded with the official signing of a new partnership agreement for the 2025–2029 period. The core partners—Sitech, TNO, Maastricht University, and Brightlands Chemelot Campus—reaffirmed their collaboration with a formal signing. Brightlands Chemelot Campus has intensified its involvement with Brightsite through additional investments in research and innovation. “With this enhanced collaboration, we are not only strengthening Brightsite but also solidifying the Campus’s position as a hub of innovation and development within the chemical industry in the Netherlands,” said Astrid Boeijen, CEO of Brightlands Chemelot Campus.

Reflecting on five years and looking ahead

The Brightsite Connaction Event was not only an opportunity to reflect on five years of collaboration and innovation but also a strong statement of intent for the future. The signing of the new partnership agreement and the launch of the Transition Outlook 2024 mark the beginning of a new phase, with a focus on concrete actions and intensive collaboration.

Esther Pijs, Director-General for Green Growth Development

“What stayed with me most was the incredible positive energy, the many ideas for climate action, and the financing structures to truly advance green chemistry. Brightsite has a special place in my heart.”

Let’s talk further

Would you like to exchange ideas with us? For appointments, questions, or other information requests, please feel free to email us at info@brightsite.com.