On 14 April, our Energy, Transition & Infrastructure team attended Havencongres Rotterdam, where industry leaders and policymakers discussed the major challenges and opportunities facing Europe’s ports and energy sectors. Here are three key takeaways.
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1. Europe’s independence: beyond economic value
The energy transition plays an important role in Europe's strategic autonomy and is of great importance for Europe’s defence strategy. In addition, data sovereignty also plays a crucial role in Europe’s independency: those who do not control their own data infrastructure are left vulnerable. Therefore, investments in sustainability, alternative energy sources and data infrastructure are not only of economic, but also of geopolitical importance.
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2. Rotterdam: navigating pressures as a European hub
The strong position of the Rotterdam industrial cluster is under pressure: high energy costs, grid congestion and the nitrogen problem are hampering new investments. Addressing these issues is essential to improving the investment climate. Programmes such as Recharge Rotterdam bring together market parties and government to tackle these challenges.
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3. Energy transition: balancing tradition and innovation
Sustainable alternatives, including hydrogen, are gaining ground and it is encouraging to see that various market parties continue to invest in new energies and technologies. At the same time, traditional fuels will remain indispensable in the years ahead: energy supply will for some time continue to be a mix of conventional and renewable.
Want to learn more
The challenges and opportunities discussed at Havencongres Rotterdam mirror those our clients face daily. Our Energy, Transition & Infrastructure team is here to help you navigate regulations, secure investments, and finance innovation. Contact us today and let’s build a resilient, sustainable future for your business and Europe.