To achieve their climate ambitions for 2050, GRITH partners at Emmen Municipality realize the importance of an intensive cooperation with industrial companies, other government organizations and networks and the commitment to a climate neutral future. To speed up the change to renewable energy and promote circular economy, Emmen has established the Industry Table, marking an important step in their joint approach.
The Industry Table
The Industry Table consists of a group of energy-intensive companies, a regional collaboration called ‘Samenwerkende Bedrijven Drenthe’, the Province of Drenthe and the Municipality of Emmen. The participating companies specialize, among other things, in the production of yarns, fibers, hi-tech systems, chemicals, polymers, agribusiness, enteral (medical) nutrition products and bio-energy. The aim of this Industry Table is to work together to bring about a rapid change in the use of energy and raw materials in the industry of Emmen and the surrounding area with a view to strengthening the competitive position of industry in the region. In a recent press statement Guido Rink, Alderman for Economy, stated: " We have a clear goal in mind. By joining ranks we can accelerate the transition to a sustainable industry while contributing to a climate-friendly environment and a healthy future for our region."
By joining ranks, we can accelerate the transition to a sustainable industry.
Concrete actions
For the period 2024-2027, members of the Industry Table have made plans that define concrete actions. “These include a focus on energy efficiency, the promotion of sustainable energy, the exploration of hydrogen potential and reduction of grid congestion,” says Jaap Lobbezoo, policy maker at the Municipality and member of the GRITH-project. “We are cooperating in projects which focus on multi-stakeholder collaborations to develop system solutions for the energy transition. For this, the GRITH project provides us with extra knowledge and good examples."
Members of the Industry Table in Emmen
Photo: Gemeente Emmen
Industry is important
Industry is important for Emmen and local employment. Although some progress has already been made in the field of sustainability, much remains to be done. It is important to make production cleaner and less harmful to the living environment. In Emmen, GRITH plays an important part in the optimization of energy consumption and developing new infrastructures to enable the necessary shift towards a renewable and greener future.