Dutch refining sector makes sizeable contribution to Dutch economy

The Dutch refining sector accounts for 0.36 per cent of GDP. This means the sector contributes to the national economy as well as enhancing the competitiveness of the entire Dutch chemical industry. This is according to a study on the added value of the refining sector conducted by Ecorys on behalf of the Netherlands Petroleum Industry Association (VNPI).

The refining sector has been subjected to an economic impact analysis. Spillover effects on innovation, competitiveness and security of supply of ancillary sectors have also been listed. Refineries come out positively here.

Essential link in international chemical cluster
The study shows that the relatively small cluster refining sector has an economic contribution of €29.74 billion a year, equivalent to 2.8% of GDP in the Netherlands. The sector also has an impact on the chemical sector in the port of Antwerp and the Ruhr region. Refineries are an essential link in the entire international chemical cluster.

Accelerating energy transition
Another key finding is that refineries are making a significant contribution to societal goals in the energy transition. The sector’s investment power and innovative capacity facilitate the introduction of new energy technologies that accelerate sustainable development. Also, refineries’ current systems can be used to scale up sustainable energy carriers and energy systems.

Expanding the options available to the Netherlands
The presence of the refining sector can help increase the options available to meet our future energy and raw material needs.

For more information on this study, please contact Maurice Thijsen.