Call from the Municipality of Moerdijk: Give First, Then Take

“Central government and province: be clear, ensure fair compensation, and establish a regional fund that invests in quality of life”—that is the call the municipal executive is proposing to the council in the context of the national Powerport initiative. On December 1, 2025, the national government, the province, and the municipality of Moerdijk intend to make a major decision regarding the direction of the expansion of the Moerdijk port and industrial area, the associated preconditions, and the matters that require further elaboration. In preparation for this, the municipal executive is having the municipal council adopt Moerdijk’s input for this decision. This week, the municipality will brief affected residents during two meetings.

On June 11, 2025, the national government and the region decided that approximately 400–500 hectares of space would be needed in and around the Moerdijk port and industrial area for the construction of new energy infrastructure and the growth and sustainability of the port and industry in Moerdijk.
In addition to making better use of the space in the existing port and industrial area, two potential directions for expansion have been identified: east (the area between the Hollandsch Diep, the Roode Vaart, the A17, and the railroad) and southeast (the area south of the A17 and west of the Moerdijk Logistics Park).

Taking Responsibility in a Sensitive Matter

The space allocated for Powerport is part of a national initiative and is unavoidable: the Netherlands must find space for the energy transition, making industry more sustainable, and strengthening its strategic autonomy. The question is no longer whether expansion is necessary, but where it can best take place and under what conditions.

For Moerdijk, this is a development that profoundly affects the living environment of local residents, farmers, and business owners. “We know how heavily this issue weighs on our community,” says Mayor Aart-Jan Moerkerke. “People have been living in uncertainty about their future for a long time. The situation calls for clarity, taking responsibility, and keeping your promises. With our position, we are taking that responsibility and fighting for a decision that does justice to our residents.”

A thorough process, a proposal with broad support

The municipal executive’s proposal to the city council is the result of a careful process in which the municipality worked closely with residents, farmers, and industry. In total, discussions were held with more than 400 people regarding the implications and conditions of the Powerport project. These discussions took place with residents through community roundtables in Moerdijk-dorp, Zevenbergen, Zevenbergschen Hoek, Klundert, and the surrounding rural areas, and with the agricultural sector through organizations such as ZLTO. Discussions were also held with partners such as the Moerdijk Port Authority and VNO-NCW.

Expansion toward the east is the only viable long-term option—but only under strict conditions

At the Powerport Administrative Consultation on December 1, a proposal for expansion in an easterly or southeasterly direction will be on the table. After careful consideration, the municipality of Moerdijk has determined that the southeasterly option is not a viable choice. Expansion in this direction would extend toward both the village of Moerdijk and the communities of Zevenbergen, Zevenbergschen Hoek, and Langeweg. It would also result in an illogical port system that is not connected to rail or waterways. Consequently, long-term quality of life cannot be guaranteed—the balance between industry, nature, and society would come under structural pressure across multiple communities.

The municipality has therefore chosen the eastern route as the only future-proof option. This means that the village of Moerdijk will eventually have to be relocated. Before this decision can be made, firm guarantees must be in place that take the human dimension into account. People must be offered prospects on an individual level, including financial compensation. In addition, measures must be taken simultaneously to ensure the village remains livable in the coming years. This requires long-term cooperation between the national government, the province, and the municipality, as well as the establishment of a regional fund with sufficient resources.

A Call to the National Government and the Province

The municipality is asking the national government and the province to make three decisions on December 1:

1. A decision on the location without delay, so that residents and agricultural business owners have clarity.
2. Firm agreements on conditions that do justice to the interests of residents and take a human-centered approach.
3. A decision to pursue eastward development as the only viable option for the future.

“Give first, then take, and keep your promises”

“Moerdijk is taking responsibility for a national challenge, but stands by its residents,” said Mayor Moerkerke. “We are counting on the national government and the province to feel that same sense of responsibility: give first, then take, and keep your promises.”

Continued

During the meetings on November 11 and 12, the municipality will explain its position and input and answer questions from residents. Following a decision on December 1, further planning details will be worked out. Taking into account all the sensitivities, complex environmental issues (including noise and nitrogen), and the legal process, it will likely take until around 2035 before a final, irrevocable plan is in place. As far as the municipal executive is concerned, the lives of residents and (agricultural) business owners should not come to a standstill during that period.

On November 13, the council proposalis on the agenda for theMoerdijk municipal committee meeting.
You can find more information on our Powerport project page and the page Overview of all projects to improve the energy infrastructure.