In 2023, CO 2 emissions in the port decreased by 2.2 Mton (10%) compared to 2022, the Port of Rotterdam Authority revealed.
As informed, the decrease was caused mainly by the two coal-fired power stations on the Maasvlakte. In 2023, these plants emitted a total of over 2 Mton (38%) less CO 2 than in 2022.
Together, the five energy plants produced 20% less electricity from fossil sources. Production from refineries remained stable due to high demand. CO 2 emissions increased slightly with 0.1 Mton.
Despite the lower gas prices in 2023, the production in the chemical industry did not recuperate. As a result, CO 2 emissions decreased further by 0.2 Mton (5%), according to the port.
The port also noted that the emissions are one-third lower than in 2016, the peak year in terms of CO 2 emissions in the port. In 2023, CO 2 emission levels (20.3 Mton) dipped under those of the reference year 1990 (20.6 Mton) for the first time.
In order to decrease CO 2 emissions in the port by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990, in accordance with the European and Dutch ambitions, the port must achieve a CO 2 reduction of 9.3 Mton by 2030.
The main impact is caused by capturing CO 2 and halting the use of coal in the production of electricity, and because of plans of companies in the port impacting emissions within the complex.
Specifically, the production of biofuels leads to an additional, considerable decrease in CO 2 emissions outside of the port, yet it leads to more CO 2 emissions within the complex, the port stated.
The port officials believe that the combination of capturing and storing CO 2 in the Porthos project and subsequent CCS projects and hydrogen-based initiatives, along with the closing of the coal-fired power plants, are determining factors in achieving the 2030 goals.
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