High-level government delegation visits the Moerdijk region
A high-level government delegation visited the Moerdijk region today. The purpose of the visit was to see the area firsthand, as the national government is seeking locations for a number of large energy-related projects and for making industry more sustainable. All of this requires more space than is currently available. The ministers were briefed on the opportunities and challenges in the Moerdijk Powerport region (in the municipalities of Moerdijk, Geertruidenberg, and Drimmelen). During the working visit, residents of the village of Moerdijk presented their vision for quality of life to Ministers Mona Keijzer, Sophie Hermans, and Barry Madlener, as well as State Secretary Chris Jansen.
During a tour of the area, attention was focused on how quality of life and overall well-being in the Moerdijk-Drimmelen-Geertruidenberg region relate to national, regional, and local challenges. The cabinet delegation received briefings from, among others, Provincial Executive Members Dirken and Maes, Aldermen Dingemans (Moerdijk), Simons (Drimmelen), Mertens (Geertruidenberg), and Deputy Dike Reeve Govers-Gabriëls (Brabantse Delta Water Board). All government bodies acknowledge that there is substantial demand for land in the area. The Brabant authorities do not wish to accommodate this demand to the fullest extent but advocate for the preservation of quality of life.
Assignments
The working visit marks the start of the process to reach agreements on what is and isn’t appropriate for the area. Clarity on this matter is expected by June 2025. In terms of energy projects, this involves an additional 380 kV substation to meet energy needs, as well as various facilities to connect electricity from offshore wind farms to the national power grid. There is also a need for a plant to produce hydrogen using renewable energy, space for the Delta Rhine Corridor, and facilities for the manufacture and storage of batteries. In addition, a circular economy requires space for the reuse of raw materials.
During the working visit, residents of the village of Moerdijk spoke with the government officials. They also presented their vision for the village’s quality of life to them. In this vision, they outline everything the residents of Moerdijk have already been through and call for clarity regarding the village’s future and the prospects for its residents.
Appointment of a Process Manager
The collaborating governments have appointed Christophe van der Maat as process coordinator for the Moerdijk Powerport region. Van der Maat previously served as State Secretary of Defense and as a member of the Provincial Executive of North Brabant. His role is to support administrative coordination among the parties involved.