Minister Micky Adriaansens of Economic Affairs will soon make agreements with the industry about limiting CO2 emissions. She says this in conversation with Sophie van Leeuwen, political reporter for BNR. So far, a few major companies have committed to reducing emissions. An independent advisory committee will now advise Adriaansens.
The committee is chaired by Caroline Gehrels and is intended to keep the government on its toes with regard to those CO2 proposals. ‘They are going to critically review the plans that are currently in place and see what exactly is there and what the government can contribute to.’
According to Adriaansens, this includes looking at how ambitious a plan is, whether it is feasible, whether it is broad enough and whether sufficient consideration is given to the living environment.
Roadmap
According to Adriaansens, companies must then look at various steps. First of all, whether companies are willing to go along with the approach, and whether companies have the possibilities and ambitions to take the extra step. ‘That is very important, because a lot of companies already do a lot, but this really has to be extra.’ Subsequently, an initial statement is drawn up, stating that companies want to work with the government and that there is an ambition.
According to Adriaansens, the second step comprises the tasks and the production process of companies. ‘Which technology is used, will hydrogen be used, within what time frame, we want the committee to test that sort of thing,’ says Adriaansens. ‘That’s the moment when it becomes substantive.’
Wheels in motion
According to Adriaansens, there are already good conversations going on. ‘We are already well on our way to that second step with a number of companies,’ she concludes. ‘But we are also in talks with a few companies about the first step.’
