Steam cracking is a petrochemical process in which larger hydrocarbons are broken down into smaller hydrocarbons. It is a key process in the production of ethylene, propylene and other C4 olefins. These are used in manufactured goods like plastics, polymers, and solvents. Historically, the steam cracking process has relied on fossil fuel as a feedstock and energy source, but recent advances have led to an innovative hydrocarbon cracking method which uses electricity to drive the reactions, reducing carbon losses and emissions. The electrification of this process could avoid about 3 to 5 MT of annual CO2-eq emissions in the Netherlands alone. The aim of this report was to establish a base level understanding of the electric steam cracking niche and provide a protective space analysis of the socio- technical system by employing a strategic niche management (SNM) approach. Ten semi- structured interviews were held with actors in the niche and regime to describe how the three pillars of SNM - shielding, nurturing and empowering - have been implemented in the Netherlands. Key findings indicate that the niche emerged in the Netherlands due to the existing knowledge base, sufficient material infrastructure, and government support schemes to fund research. Although the niche has developed a broad and deep network, it suffers from a lack of shared learning due to competition between actors. The niche faces key challenges in ensuring that electricity generation and capacity is available, that site integration like alternatives for steam generation are provided, and most importantly, that the techno-economic performance of the innovation is improved. A lack of economic incentive to implement electric cracking within the Netherlands was found, and participants called for subsidies to shield early adopters from additional costs. The SNM framework had limitations because of the international nature and global niche effects on local dynamics within the Netherlands. Further research is suggested to focus on the international dynamics of the chemical industry’s regime and how it affects decision making and development within the Netherlands and more generally, within the EU which will provide a larger context to this study
