LyondellBasell, Covestro start circular steam project

09 Sep '18

3 min read

Courtesy: LyondellBasell

LyondellBasell, a plastic, chemical and refining company, and its joint venture partner Covestro, a polymer company, have initiated a large investment project at their site in Maasvlakte-Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The Circular Steam Project adds an innovative technology into the existing production plant to convert its water-based waste into energy.

The new installation will take the site's existing production process to a higher level of efficiency and sustainability, resulting in an overall annual reduction of approximately 140,000 metric tons carbon dioxide emissions, 0.9 Petajoule of energy and avoiding the release of 11 million kilograms of salt residue into the surface water.

The project is an important contribution to the Dutch government's carbon dioxide reduction targets. Jean Gadbois, senior vice president manufacturing Europe, Asia and International of LyondellBasell, said: "The Dutch government's support is pivotal to the viability of innovative projects like this Circular Steam Project, which will allow us to realise an annual carbon dioxide reduction equal to taking 31,000 cars off the road and will contribute to yearly energy savings equaling the electricity use of the city of Breda's 90,000 households. This is a great step in advancing towards a more sustainable production."

Dr. Klaus Schaefer, chief technology officer of Covestro, added: "Our joint site in Maasvlakte is an important element of Covestro´s production network. We are constantly aiming to reduce our specific emissions. Through this investment we will significantly enhance the efficiency of the existing operations."

LyondellBasell and Covestro will build a new bio plant and incinerator on the Maasvlakte site, in which the production's waste will be treated and transformed into steam. The steam will be used as an energy source in the existing on-site production plant, thus making it a circular process. The construction will employ about 71 people full-time; the new facilities will eventually provide permanent positions for 11 full-time employees. At the official start of the project, LyondellBasell and Covestro, together with a large group of stakeholders, revealed the construction plan and its key benefits.

Allard Castelein, CEO Port of Rotterdam Authority commented: "This project is an important step towards realising the Dutch ambition of a 49 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in 2030. The industry in Rotterdam, being an important emitter, plays pivotal role in this reduction. The initiative by LyondellBasell and Covestro is an inspiring example how this can be done, even in a very competitive market." (SV)

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