Speech Ground-breaking ceremony of the new Air Products / ExxonMobil hydrogen plant

Toespraak | 23-06-2010

Mr Byrne/Jeff, Mr Madden/Andy, distinguished guests,

Just imagine one year from now. Here it will stand: the brand new Air Products / ExxonMobil plant.

An intricate web of shining pipes, large and small, reaching for the sky, connected to the neighbouring Esso refinery, transporting gas and steam, disassembling and reassembling chemical components to form that magically light gas: hydrogen.

The old plant now belongs to the old guard.
It no longer meets the industry’s rising standards.
It wastes too much energy and spills out too much CO2.
The new plant will be on the cutting edge again.
It will be much cleaner, much more efficient, ready to take on international competitors.

I know this plant will primarily produce hydrogen for the industry.
And I am impressed by the efficiency gains it will achieve.
This is the kind of initiatives we need to reach our commitments to increase energy efficiency by 20 percent and decrease CO2 emissions by 20 percent!

But there is more.
This plant will supply London’s new hydrogen-fuelled buses for the 2012 Olympics!
What a publicity coup for hydrogen!

It shows that hydrogen, alongside traditional fossil fuels, is becoming a player in the energy game.
Slowly, but surely.

Which is exactly what we want.

My policy is aimed at developing new sources of energy, promoting clean energy and striving for more efficient use of energy.

In this way, we create new business opportunities for clean tech and provide our children with a sustainable future.

We also help prevent the glaciers from melting, sea levels from rising and species from disappearing.

The tar-covered pelicans of Louisiana make it painfully clear why this is so urgent.
As President Obama said last week, ‘The time to embrace a clean energy future is now.’

Hydrogen, of course, will not cure all the world’s problems.
But it is one element of the solution to the energy challenges we face.

A solution, ladies and gentlemen, that no single party will come up with on their own.

This plant is a tribute to cooperation.
Commercial companies have joined forces.
Public and private parties have teamed up.
Innovative industries have integrated their activities.

Let me finally say that as the Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, I am proud that Air Products and ExxonMobil have decided to invest here in Holland – especially at this time.

Air Products has distinguished itself by its willingness to be part of new initiatives launched under the public-private Energy Transition Team.
It has also been a dedicated sponsor, providing hydrogen for demonstration projects by students, cart races and the Shell Eco Challenge.

ExxonMobil has been a trusted partner for the Netherlands and the Rotterdam area for more than 120 years!
I understand you are now testing a new technology that would allow to produce hydrogen directly on board a vehicle, in a much more efficient way and with much less CO2 emissions than today’s engines!
Congratulations! Keep us posted!

Jeff, Andy, I see your new investment as proof that we have gotten our investment climate right and that Rotterdam continues to be a gateway to Europe.

Rotterdam has always successfully navigated the winds of change. It is now becoming a hub for biomass and taking the lead in combating climate change.

Your new plant will be ready to catch the breeze, as it can be adapted to use biomass.
It can even be adapted to capture CO2 and either feed it to local greenhouses or store it underground.

I want to thank Air Products and ExxonMobil for their confidence, and I want to compliment everyone involved in this ambitious project on their hard work.

Finally, let me welcome this new hydrogen plant to a city that aims to be clean, cost-conscious and competitive.

Thank you.