Renewable energy and cleantech industry in Amsterdam

What makes the Amsterdam Area a great place for renewable energy?

The Netherlands is lauded for its transition readiness, infrastructure, business environment, and political commitment when it comes to the energy transition. Yet, there is still a long way to go to meet the nation’s 2050 net-zero goal. For innovative companies looking to make a powerful difference in the future of energy, there are amazing opportunities in the Amsterdam Area. 

The Amsterdam Area is a significant fuel hub: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is one of the busiest airports in Europe, and the Port of Amsterdam is a market leader in coal, oil and kerosene. Both of these hubs have clear ambitions to be better ports, powered by cutting edge investments in decarbonised and energy efficient aviation, renewable fuels for shipping and far-reaching (offshore) wind energy and infrastructure strategies to accommodate large scale imports and uses of energy vectors.

There is a lot of knowledge here already: not only is the Amsterdam Area home to many national and international companies such as Schneider Electric, Vattenfall, Vandebron and Neste, but also to the EU office of the Carbon Trust. Political ambitions back up opportunities with key schemes such as the national FiT/CfD scheme SDE++, and significant tax breaks for investments in energy, climate and resource efficiency. 

Next to that, the Amsterdam Area is an attractive place for international talent. Approximately 150,000 people work in the energy sector in the Netherlands, and 90% of the Dutch population speak English.

What makes the Amsterdam Area a great place for cleantech? 

As an already booming startup and scaleup hub, the Amsterdam Area has a high density of connected entrepreneurs, innovators, universities and businesses rolling out smart solutions to continuously improve our environment. There is a lot of potential for growth here: Amsterdam Science Park, Impact Hub, and SDG House are a few of the concentrated areas in the region where expertise and innovation spark viable climate solutions. Collaboration is key to the Dutch way of doing business - with successful examples as The Great Bubble Barrier, Fastned and Land Life Company making an impact worldwide. 

In addition, excellent digital connectivity, a thriving tech scene, and rapid access to major European markets make the Amsterdam Area an ideal place to innovate and scale.

It’s clear the Amsterdam Area is committed to addressing the climate crisis – and championing the companies ready for the challenge.