The ongoing energy transition across Europe presents significant challenges and opportunities for industries traditionally dependent on fossil fuels, particularly the chemical sector. As a cornerstone of the European economy, the chemical industry must balance the urgency of transitioning to sustainable energy with the need to maintain competitiveness and profitability. One such industry hub, Chemelot in the southern Netherlands, finds itself at a pivotal moment in this transition. As a major contributor to the regional economy and a key player in the chemical sector, Chemelot’s shift toward sustainability holds profound implications not only for its own future but also for the local communities and natural environment that surround it.
This report examines how Chemelot can navigate the complex energy transition in alignment with the European Union’s Green Deal and climate targets, while balancing the economic, social, and environmental needs of its region. The research explores the cross-scalar impacts of this transition, addressing the local challenges faced by surrounding communities, the spatial implications for the region, and the broader cross-border implications within the European context. The study focuses on the tensions that emerge between industrial growth, environmental preservation, and social equity, and seeks to identify strategies that reconcile these often-conflicting demands.
A central element of this research’s visioning process is the development of an urban-industrial symbiosis model that integrates the economic needs of Chemelot with the broader community and environmental priorities of the surrounding area. This ideal vision is situated within a larger framework of national policies, EU climate targets, and regional development plans, ensuring alignment with both local and cross-border objectives. By analysing the power-interest dynamics and policy frameworks in play, as well as understanding the attitudes of various stakeholders, we create a development strategy that balances conflict resolution with the identification of synergies.
To achieve this, co-design methodologies, such as pattern language, are employed to spatially address and facilitate conflicts and synergies. This approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of how stakeholder interests intersect and evolve. It ensures that the transition process is inclusive, with opportunities for stakeholders to collaborate in shaping a shared vision. The result is a phased strategy for Chemelot’s growth, positioned within a larger metropolitan area, which not only enables industrial expansion but also fosters sustainable regional development.
The findings of this research suggest that Chemelot’s energy transition can become a model for the future development of similar industrial hubs, contributing to the larger goal of achieving sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient urban-industrial landscapes. It also highlights the importance of collaboration and communication among stakeholders to ensure that the transition is just, equitable, and environmentally responsible.