Decarbonisation, a sustainable industrial revitalisation challenge

Achieving a decarbonised industry is a major challenge in combatting global warming. International targets are aiming to reduce CO2 emissions released by the industries in our territories. For that reason, Dunkirk is positioning itself as a major decarbonisination industry hub by relying on its local resources. If you wish to set up your business in an innovative territory which will help with your low carbon industrial project, then why not explore our solutions and the support our agency Dunkerque Promotion and public authorities can give you?

What are the challenges of decarbonisation?

Europe and France have made crucial decisions to help combat the consequences of global warming on our planet. France is committed to becoming carbon neutral with the ambition of reducing greenhouse gases by 55% by 2030. The government has rolled out the French National Low Carbon Strategy with the aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. Carbon neutrality is equivalent to net zero emissions of greenhouse gases.

That’s why from now on we must commit to targeted action among industries to reach this national objective. Decarbonisation or decreasing CO2 emissions comes into play in all of France’s industrialised territories. As a governmental obligation, it is necessary among companies that release greenhouse gases.

To decarbonise the industries, the French government’s plan is based on financial support for low carbon solutions including:

● Real transformation of the local economy.

● Development of new technologies.

● Changing the behaviour of all the stakeholders involved.

● A major plan to replace 40% of grey hydrogen with green hydrogen by 2040.

● 6.5 GW of electrolysis to be produced by 2030.

Decarbonisation is a promising activity in an industrial territory already committed to a cleaner future such as the region of Dunkirk.

Towards a green business model

With the French National Low Carbon Strategy being rolled out, the government is encouraging French territories to turn towards low carbon energy. Direct benefits are emerging for businesses:

● Contributing to the fight against global warming for a respected environment and improved quality of air.

● Obtaining financial support from the State, which is committed to the stakeholders in decarbonisation.

A true green business model is already being put in place. The hydrogen sector will receive a 7 billion euro package between now and 2030. There are multiple direct aims:

● To sustain existing industrial employment areas and local business activities.

● To create a new industrial sector providing solutions for the environment and to position itself on the global market in terms of competitiveness.

● To use technological independence to ensure France’s energy sovereignty.

By doing so, Dunkirk is preparing to become home to France’s first CO2 and H2 hub dedicated to decarbonisation.

Why decarbonise Dunkirk’s industry?

Dunkirk is one of France’s largest industrial and port hubs, constituting a major economic and employment area. The Grand Port Maritime of Dunkirk (GPMD) is one of the biggest infrastructures with 53 MT of traffic in 2019. It is the 3rd maritime port in France. Dunkirk is home to 460 industrial companies, an economic force with an impact: 21% of France’s industrial CO2 emissions come from the industrial and port platform of Dunkirk. The idea is to reduce this amount of greenhouse gas released into the atmosphere by using decarbonisation.

Dunkirk aspires to become the leader in industrial decarbonisation processes in France and in Europe. The energy transition will also lead to:

● A drastic reduction in CO2 emissions

● The creation of future jobs

Up to 3 billion euros will be invested into decarbonising the Dunkirk territory.

The Dunkirk region has numerous assets when it comes to accommodating low carbon hydrogen sector companies and the activities linked to decarbonising the industry:

● Pre-existing industrial and port territory, Europe’s first energy platform.

● Strong involvement from the regional authorities and financial support commensurate with the projects.

● Infrastructures and networks suited to forthcoming innovation projects.

● Ideal geographical location at the heart of Europe.

● A large pool of skilled jobs.

● A circular economy development tool for decarbonising industries.

The Dunkirk region is determined and it offers support to the industries that invest in decarbonisation and encourages them to develop their business in its economic area. Thanks to the territory’s major advantages in terms of location, skills, existing networks, dynamism and support, industries are able to develop both locally and internationally.

Supporting your decarbonisation project

If you are an industry with a business linked to decarbonisation, hydrogen development or in the process of getting involved in it, then there are numerous stakeholders in the Dunkirk territory to support you as you set-up your business.

Beyond the financial support provided by the State and the regional authorities for national and local development of green energy, the Dunkirk area is committed to supporting your decarbonisation projects in the region:

● Land and property solutions are provided and developed for your facility in the Dunkirk territory.

● The centre of excellence and innovation, Euraénergie, offers support services to help innovative companies to set-up and supports project managers. Euraénergie also supports research into the energy transition with help from a partner network. Currently under construction, the new core building is located on pier 2, near Dunkirk city centre, and will be built beside laboratories and an engineering school.

● Links are promoted between the industries in the Dunkirk area to create a circular economy and network.

Dunkerque Promotion economic development agency will support your company as you set up in the territory. Whether you’re a local SME, SMI or international group, our business development advisers can provide you with solutions to suit your decarbonised hydrogen project:

● Analysis and advice on your industrial decarbonisation project.

● Support as you seek property solutions.

● Identifying and applying for liquid financial support for your low carbon solution.

● Interface with the public authorities involved in the energy transition and green energy production.

● Introduction to local partners.

● Help to recruit and train future workers from a skilled labour area.

● Public relations and promotion for your decarbonisation project.

● Help to detect public procurement contracts.

Contact us now and one of our business managers will get in touch in complete confidentiality to start our long-term partnership. Let’s focus on building your decarbonisation business together!