Other news
Nouryon reduces carbon dioxide emissions with additional bio-steam supply
Nouryon will increase the use of bio-steam at its salt production at Hengelo, in the Netherlands, making the production more sustainable and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
AFYREN secures over 60 million euros of financing to move into its industrial development phase
In order to offer industrial firms a reliable alternative to using acids based on oil derivatives, AFYREN has confirmed the production of bio-based organic acids on a pre-industrial scale for use with multiple applications. Today, AFYREN is launching its industrial development phase after securing total financing of 60 million euros, including a 21 million euro capital increase.
Braskem and Haldor Topsoe start up demo unit for developing renewable MEG
The mechanical completion of the innovative first process step of the demonstration plant is the first milestone to be achieved by Braskem and Haldor Topsoe’s partnership to validate the MOSAIK™ sugar-to-biochemicals solution for production of cost-competitive bio-based MEG (monoethylene glycol). Currently, MEG is made from fossil-based feedstocks, such as naphtha, gas or coal. The demonstration plant is expected to produce more than 100 tons per year of glycolaldehyde, the precursor for MEG, when it begins operation on March 1, 2019. MEG is a key component of PET plastic used for food packaging, especially bottles, and polyester fabrics. The global MEG market represents a value of 25 billion dollars.
First production of isobutene from wheat straw at demo scale
New phase for the H2020 Optisochem project after 18 months of activity. Sugars from wheat straw produced at Clariant’s Sunliquid® pre-commercial plant have been shipped to Global Bioenergies’ Leuna demo plant. Successful test runs for production of straw-based isobutene, batches delivered to INEOS for evaluation
Total Antwerp: Industrial efficiency to produce better energy
Consumers’ energy needs are constantly changing. To ensure we continue to meet these needs, we have rolled out an ambitious modernization plan at Antwerp, our largest refining and petrochemicals platform in Europe. Our goal is to make the site more competitive and efficient, while reducing its environmental impact.
The European market is changing rapidly. Demand for heavy oil is declining, the popularity of diesel as a choice of fuel is rising, and regulations are imposing increasingly lower sulfur levels. In this new environment, adapting our industrial facilities is a necessity. Starting in 2016, the Antwerp refining and petrochemicals platform will be equipped with new units to meet these evolving needs.
We also plan to improve our industrial and environmental performance by making it easier for the platform’s three sites to share resources. Our aim is to reduce the environmental impact of the Antwerp platform while at the same time making it one of our most competitive facilities.
Energy efficiency a top priority
Off-gas produced from oil refining is currently used as fuel in refinery furnaces, but it will soon be recovered and used as feedstock in petrochemicals units. These gases will partially replace naphtha, an increasingly expensive petroleum-based product.
