Brussels, 15 September 2023 – The Zero Emissions Platform (ZEP), the official EU advisory body on the deployment of carbon capture storage (CCS) and carbon capture utilisation (CCU) technology, held its quarterly meeting with its members to discuss and steer the many developments around CCS and CCU in Europe. The gathering in Brussels was held on 13 September and included more than 100 representatives from industries, energy producers, project developers, researchers, non-governmental organisations, and policymakers.

Joop Hazenberg appointed as ZEP’s new Secretary-General

The Advisory Council extended its warm welcome to Mr. Joop Hazenberg, ZEP’s newly appointed Secretary-General. Joop Hazenberg (The Netherlands, 1978) is an accomplished senior executive with a rich European energy and climate policy background. His extensive experience includes roles such as EU correspondent for various international media outlets, campaign manager for European NGOs advocating for the phase-out of coal power plants, and Director of External Affairs at GSMA, where he effectively represented the mobile telecommunications industry in Europe. Mr. Hazenberg has also lent his expertise to organisations like the European Heat Pump Association, SolarPower Europe, and WindEurope, particularly in corporate renewable energy sourcing. His appointment reflects ZEP’s commitment to grow as a prominent advocate for the deployment and development of CCS and CCU technologies. Joop is succeeding Per-Olof Granström who concluded his tenure after four successful years at ZEP.

ZEP announces New Projects Network

ZEP unveiled its Projects Network during the Advisory Council, with a presentation by the Projects Network Chair Stijn Santen (EBN). The Projects Network aims to address the urgent need to support project developers accelerate the deployment of CCS and CCU projects. By providing a practical forum for project-to-project knowledge sharing, this unique initiative seeks to significantly reduce costs and accelerate project deployment timelines. With around 75 projects currently in various stages of development and a steady stream of new projects announced regularly, the Projects Network will play an instrumental role in supporting their success.

Yara International joins ZEP as a new member

The Advisory Council welcomed Yara International during the Advisory Council, adding to a diverse and growing constituency of ZEP members. Yara International is a global leader in agricultural solutions, specialising in producing, distributing, and selling nitrogen-based mineral fertilisers and associated industrial goods. Their participation in ZEP underscores industries growing commitment to decarbonise their sector, with CCS playing a pivotal role in their strategy, highlighted in a presentation by Luc Haustermans, Vice President for European Affairs and Industry Relations at Yara International.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Kristin Heidebroek – Kristin.Heidebroek@zeroemissionsplatform.eu

Tel.: +32 2 882 50 07

About the Zero Emissions Platform

ZEP is the advisor to the European Commission on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU), a European Technology and Innovation Platform (ETIP) which brings together European energy-intensive industries, energy companies, equipment suppliers, scientists, academics and environmental NGOs. It is a unique platform for collaboration which represents all the parties involved along the supply chain for CCS and CCU.