Toespraak van staatssecretaris Mansveld bij de presentatie van de ECN studie 'Refinery Emissions from a Competitive Perspective'

Toespraak | 12-03-2015

First, I want to thank ECN for producing this important report.

And I would like to pay my compliments to the Dutch refining sector. You lead the way in Europe in reducing harmful emissions. Your impressive results show how innovative you are.

A good example is the voluntary agreement on sulphur. It resulted in 67 per cent lower sulphur dioxide emissions between 2005 and 2012. That’s well below the European standard.

Strict emission requirements are vital. The Netherlands is a densely-populated country, and improving air quality is a top priority. The standards are not being met in all parts of the country. In Rotterdam, for instance.

Generally, however, we’ve had good results. Owing in part to the great efforts of the refining sector to reduce its emissions.

I understand that the sector is concerned about the possibility of more stringent emission requirements in the future. It’s clear from the European Commission’s proposal for national emission ceilings that these will be tightened. What we don’t know is what the specific requirements will be for the refining sector.

More stringent requirements can stimulate further innovation, which would benefit the Dutch economy.

It’s a common fallacy that what’s good for the climate is bad for economic growth. The Global Commission on the Economy and Climate has shown that investments in sustainability create jobs, improve companies’ position on the market, and contribute to green growth. Now is the time to make the transition to the new economy. It’s far less costly than investing in old technologies, according to the Global Commission’s calculations.

Economic growth and a healthy environment are not mutually exclusive. Indeed: they can be mutually reinforcing! Green growth is here to stay. Of course, it comes at a price. A successful business requires hard work and a sustained focus on opportunities and solutions. 

At the same time, the government is well aware of the enormous added value of the refining sector for the Dutch and European economies and labour force. Directly and indirectly, this sector generates tens of thousands of jobs.

The government is committed to maintaining a level playing field for Dutch and European companies. We are aware that there’s more competition from outside Europe. And decreasing demand for oil products within the EU is leading to overcapacity. This puts pressure on profit margins, as the ECN report has shown.

In conclusion, it’s important that we strike a balance that will ensure a strong future for the refining sector in the Netherlands and Europe, but also a liveable and healthy environment for everyone in Europe.

Thank you.