Decarbonisation options for the Dutch asphalt industry
report
This report describes the current situation of the Dutch asphalt sector, which is composed of 34
industrial sites. In 2020, the total production of asphalt was more than 7 million tonnes.
Based on literature sources, the average energy consumption of the asphalt sector is between 0.28-
0.33 GJ/tonne asphalt mix. According to the EU-ETS registration, the CO2 emissions for this sector
were 99 kilotonnes (kt) in 2020. The main energy source for the asphalt manufacturing sites is
natural gas, which represents around 84% of the sector’s total energy consumption.
The main sources for emissions are the drying and mixing steps. This report explores the options
and preconditions for decarbonisation of the asphalt sector in the Netherlands considering a 2050
horizon. The decarbonisation options studied in this report include the following categories: fuel
substitution by hydrogen, heating system electrification, alternative feedstock and recycling. All the
covered options present benefits and challenges related to its implementation, which are further
discussed in this report. Hydrogen can be gradually introduced into the fuel mix without changing
the standard equipment configuration (up to 30%vol. of hydrogen in the blend). However,
equipment adaptations would be necessary for higher concentrations of hydrogen or full
substitution. Furthermore, due to an increased volume flow rate, higher NOx emissions and higher
pressure loss when considering higher concentrations of hydrogen in the mix can occur.
industrial sites. In 2020, the total production of asphalt was more than 7 million tonnes.
Based on literature sources, the average energy consumption of the asphalt sector is between 0.28-
0.33 GJ/tonne asphalt mix. According to the EU-ETS registration, the CO2 emissions for this sector
were 99 kilotonnes (kt) in 2020. The main energy source for the asphalt manufacturing sites is
natural gas, which represents around 84% of the sector’s total energy consumption.
The main sources for emissions are the drying and mixing steps. This report explores the options
and preconditions for decarbonisation of the asphalt sector in the Netherlands considering a 2050
horizon. The decarbonisation options studied in this report include the following categories: fuel
substitution by hydrogen, heating system electrification, alternative feedstock and recycling. All the
covered options present benefits and challenges related to its implementation, which are further
discussed in this report. Hydrogen can be gradually introduced into the fuel mix without changing
the standard equipment configuration (up to 30%vol. of hydrogen in the blend). However,
equipment adaptations would be necessary for higher concentrations of hydrogen or full
substitution. Furthermore, due to an increased volume flow rate, higher NOx emissions and higher
pressure loss when considering higher concentrations of hydrogen in the mix can occur.
TNO Identifier
977657
Publisher
TNO
Collation
47 p.