Belgium – In a significant blow to Ineos Olefins Belgium, the Flemish Council for Permit Disputes has annulled the environmental permit for the ambitious ‘Project One’ in the Port of Antwerp.
The permit, which was granted a year ago, faced opposition from multiple associations and neighboring Dutch provinces. The project, involving the construction and operation of an ethane cracker, has been halted temporarily as the Council ruled in favor of environmental concerns. This article delves into the goals, technology, potential impact, and challenges surrounding Ineos’ controversial project and the implications of the recent permit annulment.
Ethane cracker in Port of Antwerp
‘Project One’ by Ineos Olefins Belgium aims to establish an ethane cracker facility in the northern part of the Port of Antwerp. The project received an environmental permit last year, allowing the company to proceed with the construction and operation of the ethane cracker. However, environmental groups and concerned parties raised objections, questioning the potential impact on nearby nature reserves, particularly the Brabantse Wal, which falls under the European Habitats Directive.
One of the major concerns raised by the Province of North Brabant was related to additional nitrogen emissions caused by the project, posing a threat to the nearby Brabantse Wal nature reserve. As a protected area under the European Habitats Directive, any permit must ensure that nature is not adversely affected by the project. The Flemish Government’s decision to permit the project was challenged for not adequately considering the potential harm caused by increased nitrogen deposition.
Council’s ruling
The Flemish Council for Permit Disputes ruled in favor of the Province of North Brabant’s request to annul the permit. The Council determined that the Flemish Government did not carefully justify why the additional nitrogen deposition would not harm the Brabantse Wal nature reserve. The reasoning based on the deposition being lower than 1% of critical values was deemed inadequate, neglecting the conservation objectives of the natural area.
The Council also found the assessment provided by Ineos to be insufficient. The company’s study claimed that the effects of nitrogen deposition would be negligible, but the Council deemed this assessment to fall short of the requirements set by the Court of Justice. It was evident that the study did not adequately consider the conservation objectives of the nature reserve, leading to the permit’s annulment.
With the environmental permit annulled, Ineos Olefins Belgium faces a setback in proceeding with ‘Project One.’ The company must suspend work on the ethane cracker until a new decision is made by the Government of Flanders. The implications of this ruling extend beyond the project itself, setting a precedent for environmentally sensitive developments in the region.
The fate of ‘Project One’ now lies in the hands of the Government of Flanders, who have six months to reassess the license application, keeping in mind the delicate balance between industrial progress and nature conservation.
