This session is by invitation only. If you are interested in participating in the event From fossil to sustainable mobility | Nederland innoveert NU, please send an email to communicatie op hollandhightech punt nl.
Sustainable mobility is crucial for our economy and autonomy. This requires new fuels, powertrains, and charging infrastructures—not only in the Netherlands but across Europe. To achieve this, we face a significant challenge in the coming years. The Dutch aviation, automotive, and maritime sectors, together with the transport and logistics industries, are stepping up their efforts to transition from fossil fuels to sustainable mobility by 2050. We will kick this off during the event From Fossil Fuels to Sustainable Mobility | The Netherlands is Innovating NOW for the Future on 28 November at the Spoorwegmuseum in Utrecht.
Innovation in Mobility: From the 17th Century to 2050
It is only logical that the Netherlands plays a major role in the future of mobility and transport in Europe. Our country has a rich history on land, at sea, and in the air, supported by a strong manufacturing industry. We were the largest ship producers in the world in the 17th century, with pioneers like Anthony Fokker and Karel Plesman leading the aviation industry, and Hub and Wim van Doorne laying the foundation for truck and automobile production in the Netherlands.
In 2024, the mobility sector is still a vital industry in the Netherlands and Europe, supported by world-class knowledge institutions. Our maritime industry supplies ships worldwide, 30% of trucks over 16 tons in Europe are built in the Netherlands, and without Dutch technology, no planes would take off from Schiphol. This success is made possible by a large number of specialized suppliers and maintenance companies that play a crucial role in delivering (digital) systems, components, materials, and services. Our logistics sector is the enabler that ensures these supply chains in this international ecosystem can continue to develop.
In total, the Netherlands' maritime, aviation, and automotive manufacturing industries employ 245.000 people, generating €82.5 billion in revenue, the majority of which is exported. The logistics sector employs 1.270.000 people, creating a value-added contribution of over €123 billion. These are impressive figures, but these sectors are under great pressure.
The Netherlands Takes the Lead in Sustainable Mobility for the Future
The challenge to replace fossil fuels with sustainable alternatives (e.g., electricity, hydrogen) is enormous, and the time to achieve this is short. In 2021, the mobility sectors collectively took up the challenge to start innovations that will make the transition to fossil-free and internationally competitive transport solutions possible. But they cannot do it alone. The logistics sector and end users are also working hard on the transition to sustainable mobility. Therefore, collaboration between industry, the logistics sector, users, and the government is essential.
Developments in Mobility Across Europe
In the Netherlands, investments in the necessary infrastructure for further sustainable mobility are lagging behind our European neighbors. We must join forces to secure the future of these important sectors in the Netherlands, preserving our economic value and strategic autonomy while greening our society.
A Unified Approach
The transition to sustainable, affordable, and feasible mobility requires an overarching strategy in close cooperation with the government, particularly regarding charging infrastructure and regulations. The three mobility sectors are ready to work with the transport and logistics sectors to create an integrated agenda together with the government.
Personal Invitation: Will You Be There?
At the event From Fossil Fuels to Sustainable Mobility | The Netherlands is Innovating NOW for the Future on 28 November at the Spoorwegmuseum in Utrecht, we will bring together all sectors and stakeholders to strengthen this joint approach. This event is organized by NAG (Netherlands Aerospace Group), Netherlands Maritime Technology (NMT), and RAI Automotive Industry NL, in cooperation with Holland High Tech | Topsector High Tech Systems and Materials, and Topsector Logistics. Will you be there?
Language: DUTCH
