The €10 Billion Question | Energy Transition Summit
We particularly encourage multidisciplinary teams that combine strategic, economic, technological and policy perspectives to address the future competitiveness and sustainability of the Rotterdam Industrial Cluster.
Preferred study backgrounds: Economics, Business Administration, International Business Administration, Econometrics, Supply Chain Management, Business Information Management, Sustainability-related programmes, Public Administration and International Relations.
1. Description of the Challenge
Background
Rotterdam Industrial Cluster is one of Europe's largest industrial and energy hubs. It plays a crucial role in international trade, energy security, manufacturing, logistics, and the Dutch economy. However, the cluster faces a rapidly changing environment.
Governments are tightening climate regulations, energy markets are becoming more volatile, competition from the United States, the Middle East, and Asia is increasing, and critical raw materials are becoming a strategic asset. At the same time, industries in Rotterdam must decarbonize while remaining globally competitive.
Although many opportunities exist, financial resources are limited.
A coalition of government, investors, infrastructure providers, and industry has assembled a total investment budget of €10 billion for the period leading up to 2040. This budget is intended to strengthen the long-term competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability of the Rotterdam Industrial Cluster.
The challenge is that €10 billion is not enough to fund everything.
Every euro invested in one area means less funding for another. Decisions made today will shape the position of Rotterdam for decades to come.
Your role
You are part of an advisory team tasked with recommending how the €10 billion should be allocated.
Your objective is not only to reduce emissions, but also to maximize:
Economic value creation
Employment and talent attraction
Industrial competitiveness
Strategic autonomy and security of supply
Innovation and future growth
Societal value for the Netherlands and Europe
Investment options
You may allocate the €10 billion across the following investment categories:
Hydrogen Imports
Local Hydrogen Production
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
Industrial Electrification
Grid Reinforcement
Critical Materials
Battery Storage
E-fuels
Circular Economy & Recycling
AI and Smart Energy Systems
Constraints
The total budget is fixed at €10 billion.
Every euro can only be spent once.
You may divide investments across multiple categories, but the total allocation cannot exceed €10 billion.
Your recommendations should consider both short-term impact and long-term competitiveness through 2040.
2. Expected Outcome
How would you allocate the €10 billion, and why?
Which investments will generate the greatest economic and societal value for the Port of Rotterdam and the wider Rotterdam Industrial Cluster by 2040?
Prepare a clear investment strategy and be ready to defend the trade-offs and choices you make. There is no perfect answer, but there are consequences to every investment decision.
The goal is not to create a wish list, but to make real strategic choices.
About KPMG
KPMG is one of the leading providers of Audit, Advisory and Tax services in the Netherlands and is part of the global KPMG network, which operates in more than 140 countries and territories worldwide. Through a combination of deep sector expertise, innovative technology and multidisciplinary collaboration, KPMG helps organizations navigate complex challenges and create sustainable value.
In the Netherlands, KPMG serves a broad range of clients, including multinational companies, family-owned businesses, public sector organizations and fast-growing innovators. The firm supports clients in areas such as business transformation, strategy, digitalization, risk management, ESG, energy transition, cybersecurity, AI and sustainable growth.
KPMG's purpose is to inspire confidence and empower change. By combining human expertise with data, technology and innovation, KPMG helps organizations make better decisions and build resilient, future-ready businesses. Across all its services, KPMG is committed to creating long-term value for clients, society and the economy.