City of Rotterdam
Longstanding trading spirit, in combination with the position of the port has made Rotterdam the trading city of the Netherlands. The specific situation in Rotterdam with its large port and industrial complex means that developments in the use of energy will significantly affect Rotterdam far more than any other city or region in the Netherlands. This is not only true when considering the growth of and changes in commercial power sources but also when regarding the consequences of energy and climate policies at both European and national level.
It has become increasingly clear that both international and national developments in the area of energy and climate are resulting in a shift in the commercial energy flow and an increase in social pressure to reduce undesired side effects. If the classical pattern of power supply and expansion does not change, the development possibilities within Rotterdam will be severely restricted. Factors contributing to this are the rising and fluctuating energy prices, negative prognoses for the future of energy and the introduction of an absolute ceiling for the emission of CO2 as well as limits for the maximum concentration of NO2. The only conclusion that can be drawn is that issues of power and energy involve much more than environmental policies alone. They should be seen as a strategic problem, significantly influencing all policies concerning living, working and transport in Rotterdam as well as the industrial production in the port and industrial complex.
Responding to the urgency of the situation, the city council has set up a new Strategic Energy Policy portfolio. The Rotterdam City Development Corporation (OBR), Port of Rotterdam and the DCMR Environmental Protection Agency Rijnmond are working together to specify exactly what this portfolio involves. One concrete form of this collaboration is R3, the energy program set up by ROM Rijnmond. For the strategic energy policy portfolio a frame work is being set up within which Rotterdam will continue its efforts in the field of energy to improve living, working and transport in Rotterdam.
Rotterdam City Development Corporation (OBR)
As the Rotterdam municipal organisation in charge of economic development and land management, Rotterdam City Development Corporation (OBR) is responsible for the spatial and economic development of the city and our objective is the creation of a multi-faceted, attractive, international metropolis. The OBR is responsible for the strategic energy policy of the city of Rotterdam and the setting up an Industrial Heat Company. Since the privatisation of the Port of Rotterdam in 2004 the OBR is also advisor for the city council concerning the harbour development and assessment of the plans of the Port of Rotterdam, to guarantee the interests of the city. If Rotterdam is to become the City of the Future and the visions of both city and port are to be realised then dynamic policies for energy and climate required. Rotterdam can then set itself up as an experimental area open to innovation and become a pivot for the development of a low-carbon future and a healthy economy. The strategic energy policy - an integrated industrial and energy policy aimed at the development potential of Rotterdam - forms a framework for this.