Recap National Congres BRZO-Seveso with Program Manager Esta de Goede

Event

Esta de Goede, Program Manager Safety and Social Acceptance led a breakout session at the annual National Congress BRZO-Seveso, with the common thread being the safety risks that inevitably accompany the energy and resource transition. “Companies should not be too quick to assume that all the consequences for their business processes are already known.”

The National Congress BRZO-Seveso is the annual independent knowledge and networking platform for the entire BRZO chain. On 22 November 2022, the eighth edition of the annual congress took place in Utrecht. BRZO companies are companies working with hazardous substances, of which there are about 400 in the Netherlands. The focus was on knowledge sharing, interaction and cooperation between government, inspectorates and BRZO companies. Cooperation to bring closer the goal of safe operation of high-risk companies and installations including their surroundings.

Risks in the energy transition
Invited by events and training agency Outvie, De Goede shared her knowledge on the topic of risks in the energy transition, a topic that fits perfectly with the Safety and Social Acceptance program line she is associated with.

Raw materials transition
De Goede took the opportunity to ask attendees whether they realise that we are also facing a raw materials transition. That this is not just a transition from gas to electricity, but also to raw materials such as recycled plastics. And that this involves different quality requirements than companies are currently used to. “Everything we operate now is very efficient and, in particular, very stable. Of course, we know much less about how things will run in the future. Processes will soon become less predictable.”

Electricity supply
In terms of the new electricity supply, De Goede also has a warning in store. “There is already talk of possible shortages or surpluses in the electricity grid,” she holds up to the audience. “It could just be that, as a company, you will soon be asked to temporarily buy more or less energy. Can you handle that as a company? You have to be prepared for that, of course.”

‘Processes will soon become less predictable’.

Positive respons
De Goede looks back on the National Congress BRZO-Seveso with satisfaction: “The reactions were very positive. Moreover, there were lots of of people who found it useful to keep in touch. There are a lot of new developments coming up. If I was able to contribute to raising awareness of the scale of the impact of the transition, that is excellent. Companies should not be too quick to assume that all the implications for their business processes are already known.”