NextGen District becomes a hotspot for the circular economy in Port of Antwerp
New name and market consultation for former General Motors site
For the development of the site, NextGen District is looking for players who want to give a boost to the circular economy. Port of Antwerp is therefore launching a new international market consultation to find investors for the site. This specifically concerns candidates with core activities within the circular processing industry (primarily chemical processes) and the manufacturing industry, with an interest in the energy transition.
In order to effectively realise the sustainable ambitions for the development of NextGen District, candidates will also be assessed on the forward-looking nature of their project, i.e. its innovative value, climate impact and agility. Certain conditions will also be added to the concession agreement of the selected candidates.
Transition to a climate-neutral society
The NextGen District falls within the sustainable ambition of Port of Antwerp, where the energy transition and the transition to a circular economy is at the top of the list of priorities. Together with industry, efforts will be made to reduce CO2 emissions and the transition to alternative energy sources through ambitious transition projects, such as generating renewable energy, using residual heat, and importing, storing and converting hydrogen into sustainable building blocks for the chemical sector.
“If the corona crisis has made one thing clear to us, it is that we only have one choice and that is to build a resilient and sustainable port,” explains Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp. “That is why Port of Antwerp wants to continue to play a pioneering role in the transition to a climate-neutral society. The energy transition and the circular economy were at the top of the agenda before the pandemic, and still are today. Port of Antwerp is home to the largest integrated cluster in Europe. We intend to strengthen, anchor and support this cluster in the transition to a carbon-neutral and circular economy. The goal is for NextGen District to become a hub for innovation and cross-fertilization in the circular economy, giving a boost to the new generation”.
Port alderwoman Annick De Ridder concludes: “With the NextGen District, we are aiming to create numerous new jobs that will further contribute to the sustainable growth of our port. For us, it is essential that new concession holders share and uphold our future and sustainability ambition. This will help strengthen, synergise and diversify the port platform. Moreover, this is the ideal location to accelerate the transition in the Antwerp chemical cluster. As such, we are continuing to focus on the added value of the future and therefore also on our prosperity”.
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