Circular Economy Innovation Hub: Next Gen Demo Port of Anvers-Bruges

Project Manager

The Port of Anvers-Bruges is responsible for the project.

Project description

The Next Gen Demo project arises in the Port of Anvers-Bruges with the mission of transforming 88 hectares of port land into an innovation hub dedicated to the circular economy. This project, which began to take shape in recent years, is a pioneering initiative that seeks to solve problems of sustainability and efficiency in the port area.

The innovative element of the Next Gen Demo lies in its approach to the circular economy, i.e. the reuse and recycling of materials and resources to minimise waste. The port thus becomes a centre for experimentation and development of technologies and practices that promote sustainability.

By promoting the reuse and recycling of materials, the project helps to significantly reduce the amount of waste generated in the port. Not only does this have a positive impact on the environment, but it can also reduce the costs associated with waste management. The new technologies and practices implemented in the Next Gen Demo optimize the port’s logistics and operational processes.

Next Gen Demo has secured its first dealerships with the addition of Power to Hydrogen and TripleW. These companies chose to test their innovative circularity and energy transition projects in the port environment. Power to Hydrogen aims to accelerate the transition to a green hydrogen economy through AEM (Anion Exchange Membrane) electrolysis, hoping to drastically reduce the price of green hydrogen production. On the other hand, TripleW has developed an industrial process to produce lactic acid, which is used as a raw material for biodegradable plastics and biochemicals, from food waste. It aims to demonstrate the scalability and adaptability of lactic acid and expand its use to include a wider range of food waste streams and end products. The start of the project is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2024.

The Next Gen Demo project not only acts as a catalyst for the development of new technologies and sustainable solutions, but also serves as a replicable model for other ports and industrial centers around the world. By facilitating collaboration between different sectors and industries, the project fosters an innovation ecosystem where best practices can be shared and adapted globally. In addition, the initiative can attract companies and startups that develop technological and sustainable solutions, promoting new investments in the port and the creation of employment and attracting talent specialized in the circular economy.

Project objectives

The Next Gen Demo project allows start-ups, scale-ups, spin-offs, and pilot projects to test their projects on a larger scale before launching them commercially.

The main objective of this hub is to establish a space dedicated to innovation in the circular economy within the Port of Anvers-Bruges and seeks to attract companies and startups that develop technological and sustainable solutions, promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange between the actors involved.

Specific objectives include:

Facilitate the development and implementation of recycling and reuse technologies for materials.
Reducing the environmental impact of port activities through sustainable practices.
Create synergies between different industries and sectors to promote the circular economy.
To turn the Port of Anvers-Bruges into an international benchmark in innovation and sustainability.