Post by Nobian

What resources do we already have in the Netherlands that can help us build a more resilient future? On BNR Nieuwsradio De Strateeg, Nobian's Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer, Marco Waas, joined Jeff Amrish Ritoe from HCSS - The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies to discuss the role of domestic resources in strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy. Salt, or sodium chloride, is a good example of how something seemingly simple underpins much more than we often realize. It is a fundamental building block for many materials and applications that we rely on daily. Salt and our subsurface also play an important role in the energy system, such as in the development of alternative battery matterials and caverns for underground large-scale energy storage. These caverns can provide flexibility and reliability in a changing energy landscape. What truly sets the Netherlands apart is the combination of these resources with a strong industrial base and deep expertise in chemical processes and geological applications. This knowledge can be used for driving innovation and develop new processes and solutions across industries. The discussion highlights that strategic autonomy is not just about finding new solutions, but also about making better use of what we already have: our resources, our infrastructure, and our knowledge. To achieve this, we need clear choices, guided by a long-term vision, alongside consistent policies, and targeted investments. This is how we can strengthen our resilience, reduce dependencies, and build new earning capacity for a sustainable future. Listen to the full episode (in Dutch): https://lnkd.in/ev_s9M8R #salt #energystorage #energytransition #GrowGreenerTogether #strategicautonomy