Carbon emissions in Port of Rotterdam drop faster than national average
In the period 2016-2020, the Port of Rotterdam reduced its total carbon emissions by 27 percent.
Nationwide, the volume of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere fell by 14 percent in the same period. In 2020, Rotterdam achieved a 12 percent reduction in emissions, compared to 8 percent in the Netherlands as a whole.
As a result of this swift decrease, companies in the Port of Rotterdam are currently responsible for 13.5 percent of the Netherlands’ total carbon emissions: a share that several years ago was 16 percent.
The port’s total emissions volume combines those released by industrial production (refineries, chemical companies) and electricity generation (gas- and coal-fired power plants).
Last year, Rotterdam’s power plants cut their carbon emissions by 1.9 million tonnes (21 percent) – in percentage terms equivalent to the national figure. While a share of this reduction can be attributed to lower power consumption, this is mainly thanks to a substantial (over 40 percent), nationwide increase in the generation of electricity from renewable sources (solar, wind and biomass).
The carbon emissions of Rotterdam’s industrial sector fell by 1.1 million tonnes (7 percent), while industrial emissions nationwide remained at the same level. These reduced industrial emissions are a consequence of economic contraction over the course of 2020. This slump led to reduced demand for oil and chemical products, forcing local industry to scale back its activities.
For more information visit www.portofrotterdam.com
19th April 2021
