23 October 2024

With the construction of a new energy-efficient electric evaporation plant for caustic soda production in Delfzijl, Nobian can reduce CO₂ emissions up to 25,000 tons per year.

Energy partner Adven is starting the construction of an energy-efficient evaporation plant at Nobian in Delfzijl. This reduces 25,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually, an energy saving of 85%. The European leader in salt, essential chemicals and storage caverns signed the contract today with Adven at the Chemical Park in Delfzijl. The plant will be operational by 2027. It is the first time for Nobian to use this technology in the evaporation process for caustic soda.

The construction of an energy-efficient evaporation plant for caustic soda is part of a broader, multi-year collaboration between the two companies. In addition to its construction, Adven is also responsible for the operation and maintenance of the installation. The collaboration is part of Nobian's ambitious “Grow Greener Together” sustainability program. The company aims to be carbon-neutral by 2040, using 100% renewable electricity.  

Electrification of caustic soda production

The heart of the new plant is an industrial heat pump based on electricity. In the production of caustic soda, Nobian thereby reduces CO₂ emissions to 25,000 tons per year. This reduction is equivalent to the emissions from approximately 198 million car miles.

Nobian Delfzijl site manager, Robert Jan Poppen: "We believe that systemic change is only possible by working together with our customers and partners. That is why we are so proud of this collaboration with Adven. By switching to electricity for this part of the process, we become less dependent on natural gas. This is a big step forward and supports our mission to be carbon neutral by 2040.” 

Accelerating climate goals 

Nobian aims to become one of the most sustainable chemical companies in the EU. Marco Waas, Nobian's Chief Technology & Sustainability Officer: "Nobian is an indispensable link at the beginning of many industrial production chains in the Netherlands. Through collaborations like this, we are accelerating our ambition for sustainable production. The construction of this energy-efficient electric evaporation plant is in line with our sustainability agenda. It is one of the concrete projects that will contribute to reducing our CO₂ emissions faster.” 

Collaboration in the energy transition

Energy partner Adven, with its roots in Northern Europe, is a dynamic energy group that accelerates the energy transition. They develop sustainable and competitive solutions in cooperation with customers, municipalities and suppliers. Victor Donselaar, Country Manager Netherlands, sees opportunities in the Dutch market as natural gas becomes less desirable. Many companies in sectors such as chemicals and dairy are switching to more sustainable energy sources and more efficient production through electrification.

"In many Northern European countries, cooperation on energy transition is the rule rather than the exception. Nobian is leading the way in the Netherlands by making its core process more sustainable. Adven is fully responsible for design, construction, investment and operational management. As far as we are concerned, cooperation is key in the energy transition, and there are still a lot of steps to be taken in the Netherlands.”

Tailor-made approach

The partnership with Adven fits well with Nobian's other sustainability initiatives. Nobian signed a Joint Letter of Intent with the Dutch government at the end of 2023. This agreement lays out concrete details of Nobian’s sustainability plans that will enable Nobian to become carbon neutral as early as 2030. The Tailor-made approach allows the largest industrial emitters to reduce their emissions even more and faster, in addition to the climate agreement. Marco Waas: "The construction of this energy-efficient evaporation plant is part of the Tailor-made approach and includes assistance with the permitting process, so that it can proceed more quickly.”