Terneuzen, The Netherlands – September 17, 2026 – The Mosselbanken area, the reclaimed land located west of the Dow Industrial Park in Terneuzen, has received considerable attention in recent months. This is related, among other things, to the possible development of a 380 kV substation, the landfall of offshore wind energy, and potential new nuclear power plants. At the same time, Mosselbanken represents more than just energy infrastructure. Today, the area already plays an important role within the port and industrial cluster of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen and offers opportunities for the industry, energy supply, and feedstock transition of tomorrow. All of these developments and energy sources will be needed to meet the growing demand for reliable, affordable, and low-carbon energy in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen.
An important location for the region
Mosselbanken is owned by Dow and forms part of ValuePark Terneuzen, a joint venture between North Sea Port and Dow that jointly develops the area. Thanks to its strategic location and connections via road, rail, waterways, and pipelines, the site has supported logistics and industrial activities for many years.
Mosselbanken also fulfills a critical logistical function for our integrated steam cracker complex, the largest in Europe. As such, the area is not vacant or unused land, but rather an existing and valuable link within the economic and industrial ecosystem of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen.
Building the industry of the future
At the same time, North Sea Port and Dow are clearly focused on the future. Mosselbanken offers space for new investments in the circular economy, sustainable energy, and innovative industry. This includes activities that contribute to the materials and feedstock transition, the reuse of resources, and the development of new circular value chains.
As Zeeland faces major societal challenges, including quality of life, sustainability, energy security, and economic development, it is important that sufficient space remains available to address them. The combination of existing industrial activities, deep-sea access, new industry, and sustainable energy makes Mosselbanken a unique location for the future of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen.
The 380 kV connection is essential
Let there be no misunderstanding: Dow and North Sea Port support the development of a new 380 kV connection for Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. A robust electricity grid is a key prerequisite for the decarbonization and electrification of existing industry, the attraction of new businesses, and the economic development of the region. Rapid realization is therefore of shared economic and societal importance.
For this reason, we have indicated our willingness to make part of the Mosselbanken site available for a substation, provided it is part of an integrated area-wide approach and helps ensure the timely expansion of the electricity grid.
At the same time, we observe that some of the plans now require more space than originally anticipated. The total land area needed for the energy projects that the Netherlands intends to develop in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen exceeds the size of the Mosselbanken area itself. Without proper integrated planning, existing operations, logistical functions, and future investments in circular industry and innovation could come under pressure. This requires clear choices, smart land-use planning, and the exploration of alternative or combined locations.
The question, therefore, is not whether energy infrastructure is needed, but how it can be integrated carefully so that different societal interests reinforce rather than constrain one another.
Building the future together
"Zeeuws-Vlaanderen needs both energy infrastructure and a strong, competitive industrial base. Mosselbanken can contribute to both, provided we use this scarce space in an integrated and forward-looking way. Together with governments, grid operators, North Sea Port, and other partners, we are prepared to take responsibility for this. To do so, we call for a single integrated regional vision. In this way, we can connect energy security and sustainability with employment, innovation, and broad-based prosperity in the region," says Tabita Verburg, Country President Netherlands and Area President Western Europe at Dow.
Mosselbanken site west of the Dow Industrial Park (Photo copyright: Tom d'Haenens)
About ValuePark Terneuzen
ValuePark Terneuzen is a joint venture between North Sea Port and Dow Terneuzen. Mosselbanken is part of an existing and future-oriented logistics and industrial ecosystem. Its strategic location and deep-sea access make it attractive for businesses. For many years, various storage and transshipment companies have operated at the park, including Ravago and Katoen Natie. Evos is also located at ValuePark, while Bertschi operates a rail terminal.
Several initiatives at Mosselbanken are contributing to a more sustainable and innovative industrial future. For example, the Mosselbanken Solar Park generates approximately 56 million kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity annually, enough to power more than 15,000 households. In addition, Alta Carbon Technologies is establishing a pilot facility at ValuePark Terneuzen to convert CO₂ and industrial gases into a liquid product for battery applications.
Together, these initiatives illustrate the area's multifaceted role in the energy transition and industrial innovation.