Making the case for circular carbon in the Dutch chemical and fuel sectors
22-09-2025
In the project 'Circular Carbon in a System Perspective', TNO conducted a study on the transition to circular carbon sources and the potential role of the Netherlands in this transition. VoltaChem team members contributed to the study, that was carried out together with partners VNCI (the Dutch chemical industry association), Vemobin (the Dutch fuel sector association), Port of Rotterdam, Municipality of Rotterdam, Smartport, and Deltalinqs, Recently the project report was published, presenting a joint, comprehensive vision and roadmap for producing fuels and chemicals based on circular carbon.
By means of a series of workshops with key representatives of the project partners and the industries involved, TNO established the chemical and fuel sectors’ future need for circular raw materials. It was also investigated how using such circular raw materials for producing fuels and chemicals - using renewable energy – would fit into the energy system.
As a result, a broad systems perspective was developed which not only includes the production chains for chemicals and fuels, but also the adjacent chains for raw materials and energy supply. This then led to a joint, comprehensive vision and roadmap for producing fuels and chemicals based on circular carbon derived from bio-based raw materials, waste, and captured CO2.
Act now, despite many uncertainties
The project report identifies clear opportunities for synergy between the chemical and fuel sectors. Both sectors are well positioned thanks to their strategic location, infrastructure and knowledge position. In this the Port of Rotterdam can play a key role as circular carbon hub, even though there still is much uncertainty about the most promising circular carbon based value chains in Europe, the Netherlands, and the Harbour Industrial Cluster Rotterdam.
According to the industry, the priorities now should be to create market demand, speed up the licensing process, and attract biomass flows. The chemical and fuel sectors also long for a clear policy vision at European and national level. However, despite such uncertainties and barriers, all parties need to take steps now. In particular, the success of the transition depends on collaboration throughout the value chain.
For more information about the project, contact project manager Karin van Kranenburg.
Download the report
Circular carbon for the Dutch chemical and fuel sectors (English) | Circulaire koolstof voor de Nederlandse chemie- en brandstoffensector (NL)
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