Energy generated from Refuse Derived Fuel Available in 2010
Solvay announced today that work has begun to build a Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) power plant at its site in Bernburg, Germany, which is scheduled to supply energy for the production of sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide from the spring of 2010. The construction and the operation of the new power plant, which will generate both electricity and steam, will take place in the framework of a partnership with Tönsmeier, a German waste disposal and recycling group.
The recovered materials that will be valorized in the new Bernburg plant comprise a non-recyclable, selected and controlled mixture of used plastics and wood from furniture and buildings, textiles, paper and cardboard. They can be substituted for fossil fuels, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Work on the new power plant has begun after the successful completion of all relevant consultation and regulatory approval procedures. The plant will be based on innovative technology - and consequently combine the most stringent energy efficiency and environmental performance. Solvay will notably implement its sodium-bicarbonate based Neutrec® technology for the cleansing of the plant’s gaseous emissions.
“By building a power station fuelled by the non-recyclable high-energy part of used materials, Solvay and its partner Tönsmeier are among the first to contribute to Germany’s new approach to drastically reduce waste landfill,” commented Jean-Michel Mesland, General Manager for Research and Technology, Solvay. “Solvay is also pursuing its long-standing policy of diversifying its energy sources, to foster the group’s sustainable and profitable development,” continued Jean-Michel Mesland.
SOLVAY is an international chemical and pharmaceutical Group with headquarters in Brussels. It employs more than 28,000 people in 50 countries. In 2007, its consolidated sales amounted to EUR 9.6 billion, generated by its three sectors of activity: Chemicals, Plastics and Pharmaceuticals. Solvay (NYSE Euronext: SOLB.BE - Bloomberg: SOLB.BB - Reuters: SOLB.BR) is listed on the NYSE Euronext stock exchange in Brussels. Details are available at www.solvay.com
