Klimaatsprong: Launch of programme note for 2026-2030

(Past Event)

Join us in taking the step towards a competitive and climate-neutral basic industry. On 3 February 2026, VLAIO will launch the new ‘Programmanota 2026-2030 van Klimaatsprong voor de industrie’. 

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Working together towards a climate-neutral industry

The Flemish industry is facing an unprecedented transition towards climate neutrality and sustainable growth. The transition program Klimaatsprong voor de Industrie aims, with its new program note for 2026‑2030, to proactively support the basic industry in its shift to a low‑carbon and competitive future.

The program brings together civil society, knowledge institutions, government, and companies to collaborate on innovative solutions for competitive and sufficient energy, infrastructure, building an economy around alternative raw materials and fuels, circularity, and accelerated climate innovation.

During this event they will share inspiring practical cases, give the floor to key figures from industry, research, and government, and stimulate dialogue on the challenges and opportunities of the industrial climate transition.

Who is it for?

  • Are you contributing to the Klimaatsprong voor de Industrie programme?
  • Are you a professional active in the (petro)chemical, steel, or energy sector?
  • Does your company deliver key technologies that make the climate transition possible?
  • Are you following the climate transition from academia, civil society, investment, or policy?

If so, you’re warmly welcome to join the Klimaatsprong event.

 

What can you expect?

  • Discover strategies, technologies, and policy visions for a climate‑neutral industry in Flanders through leading speakers and panelists.
  • Gain insight into the transition pathways from the roadmap study that form the basis for the new 2026‑2030 program note of Klimaatsprong voor de Industrie.
  • Be inspired by pioneers and innovators from energy‑intensive industries and innovative Moonshot projects.
  • Build valuable connections with colleagues, policymakers, and investors.

Program

9:00 – Welcome coffee 

9:30 – Welcome word and introduction

  • Opening speech by Matthias Diependaele, Minister‑President of the Flemish Government and Flemish Minister of Economy, Innovation and Industry
  • Towards a carbon‑circular, low‑CO₂ and competitive basic industry: insights from the updated roadmap study by Tomas Wyns (Researcher at VUB‑IES) and Eline Brugman (Partner Climate & Sustainability Deloitte)

10:15 – Voices of the industry

  • Panel discussion Navigating challenges and innovation - with Yves Verschueren (Managing Director essenscia), Gert Jan Ten Cate (Vice President Large Industries & H2E for North and Central Europe Air Liquide), Geert Van Poelvoorde (Executive Vice President, CEO ArcelorMittal Europe), Tine Schaerlaekens (Director Moonshot Flanders)
  • Electrification gaining momentum? - Interview with Bram De Wispelaere (General Manager Energyville) and Bart Adams (EMEA Energy Manager INEOS Styrolution)
  • Carbon Capture Storage and Utilization: opportunities and bottlenecks of these key technologies - Interview with Tom Claerbout (Managing Director TotalEnergies Belgium Services) and Annemie Bogaerts (Professor University of Antwerp, Head of PLASMANT)
  • Innovation as a lever for biomass and circularity transition pathways - Interview with Peter Roose (Director Sustainability Advanced Interlayers and Technology Director EMEA Eastman and President of the Board of Directors Catalisti) and Liesbeth Stockman (Program Manager Sustainable Transition Industry Port of Antwerp‑Bruges)

11:45 – The European policy perspective

  • Keynote - by Kurt Vandenberghe (Director‑General, Directorate‑General Climate Action)

12:15 – Closing

  • Closing remarks - by Mark Andries (Director‑General VLAIO)

12:30 – Walking lunch

  • Networking and discovering innovative Moonshot projects

Practical Information

This event will take place on 3 February 2026, from 9:00 to 14:00, at the Lamot Conference Center in Mechelen. The venue is within walking distance of Mechelen station and accessible by car. Read more about accessibility on the venue’s website.

You are welcome from 9:00, with the program starting promptly at 9:30. The event concludes around 12:30, followed by lunch.

This event will be held in Dutch.

Details

Date:
03/02/2026
Organiser:
VLAIO
Time
09:00 - 14:00
Website:
More information & registration
Location:
Lamot Mechelen, Mechelen, Belgium