EnergyVille/VITO Launches Joint Research Project for Sustainable Chemical Industry in Trilateral Region

3C-VaCS Kick-off

EnergyVille/VITO, in partnership with TNO and Dechema, launched the 3C-VaCS research project with an official kick-off in Amsterdam on March 1st. The kick-off brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from chemical federations VNCI, VCI and Essenscia, as well as officials from regional authorities, such as the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, and the Flemish Department of Economy, Science & Innovation.  

This gathering marked the official start of the 3C-VaCS project, aimed to advance sustainable practices in the Trilateral Chemical Region in line with the European Green Deal, the Net Zero Industry Act, and the Circular Economy Action Plan.  

Unveiling the Trilateral Chemical Region

As home to Europe’s largest chemical cluster – spanning Flanders, the Netherlands, and North Rhine-Westphalia – the Trilateral Chemical Region has long been at the epicenter of industrial competitiveness. Its strength lies in a strategic combination of international fossil-based energy and feedstock access, intricate logistics networks, and vertically integrated value chains. The 3C-VaCS project aims to steer the region’s industrial transformation with a keen eye on the forthcoming directives.  

Acknowledging the complex and integrated chemical value chain, 3C-VaCS underscores the need for a joint, concerted approach and alignment regarding the deployment of energy infrastructure in different regions. Such unity is deemed essential for the success of the envisioned industrial transformation.  

Project Objectives

The overarching goals of the 3C-VaCS project can be summarized into three key objectives:  

1. Mapping Industrial Assets: 

• Conducting a comprehensive survey of the industrial asset base within the Trilateral Chemical Region.  
• Assessing its significance within existing value chains.  

2. Assessing Alternative Feedstock: 

• Analyzing the potential impact of alternative feedstock options.  
• Exploring new interaction resulting from alternative carbon sources, hydrogen, and low-carbon electricity.  

3. Developing Transformation Options:

• Formulating transformation options for future value chains.  
• Maximizing regional resources and infrastructure to ensure sustainability.

Expected Outcomes

The 3C-VaCS project aims to deliver a comprehensive set of facts on the current state of value chains and industrial production infrastructure in North-Western Europe. Special attention will be given to evaluating the availability of low-carbon electricity and circular feedstock across Europe. By addressing key questions, the research endeavors to provide a strategic framework for maintaining the competitiveness of industrial production in the region.  

Our Partners

The 3C-VaCS project is made possible through collaborations with our partners VITO, TNO and Dechema.

Want to know more?

For additional information and insights on the 3C-VaCS project, feel free to reach out to our expert, Pieter Vingerhoets.