Solvay plans to completely phase out the use of thermal coal at our soda ash plant in Rheinberg, Germany by 2025, establishing a new global reference for sustainability in soda ash production. To achieve this, two biomass boilers will be installed at the site, using scrap waste wood chips - a mixture of used wood from industrial residues and demolition - as fuel to produce steam and electricity.
The first boiler went into operation in May 2021, with the second due to be installed soon, so that the site is able to meet its 2025 target. This achievement will make Solvay’s Rhineberg plant the first soda ash plant in the world to be powered by renewable energy, setting a precedent for others to follow.
- Coal to be phased out and replaced by biomass energy at the plant by 2025
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 in line with the 2015 Paris Agreement & 100% coal phase out by 2030