WILLEMSTAD - The Socio-Economic Council (SER) has proposed a relaxation of air quality requirements as an option in an advice to the government. According to the SER, relaxation would allow new operators of the refinery to gradually meet the National Ordinance on Air Quality Requirements. The focus is mainly on temporarily relaxing standards for sulfur dioxide (SO2).
The SER emphasizes that it can be crucial for potential investors that the standards are achievable to prevent them from refraining from exploitation. The refinery has been out of operation since August 2019, and negotiations with new operators for the Isla site are ongoing.
Environment and Economy
The SER acknowledges the complex balance between protecting public health, especially for residents downwind of the Schottegat, and promoting economic activities and employment.
A phased introduction of air quality standards is seen as a possible solution. The advisory body points out the financial and non-financial 'costs' and 'benefits' of a temporary relaxation of air quality requirements.
In discussions with Refineria di Korsou (RdK), the SER assumes that the refinery contributes 75 percent to sulfur dioxide emissions in operational years. The owner of the refinery argues that meeting the standards will not be a problem in the initial start-up of refining activities, but the third phase, especially the start-up of the cat cracker, will be challenging.
In the longer term (15 years), there are plans to switch to gas (LNG) and hydrogen energy to reduce SO2 emissions. However, this requires significant investments and adjustments.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
The SER recommends conducting a societal cost-benefit analysis to get a full picture of the (temporary) relaxation of air quality standards. This analysis should map and quantify all positive and negative aspects. The transition to more sustainable energy sources is also considered promising but challenging, with potentially significant impact on the economic feasibility of the refinery.
The SER emphasizes that the transition to new technologies can have consequences for the current employees of the refinery, including the need for retraining or the risk of job loss. These aspects need to be carefully considered in the analysis.
Approach
Curaçao has been grappling with concerns about air quality and its impact on the environment and health for decades. Various legal and activist actions have been taken to promote stricter regulations.
The SER refers to the need for a legal framework, influenced in part by local lawsuits and new WHO advisory values for air quality. It is essential that the new nuisance legislation is strictly adhered to and regularly updated to protect the health and well-being of the residents of Curaçao. The relaxation proposed by the SER as an option does not seem to take this into account.