The Belgian chemical producer said it plans to install more than 9,000 m² of photovoltaic panels on the qualified rooftops at Zhenjiang and utilize the renewable solar electricity generated for daily production. Engie China will take full responsibility for the investment, installation and maintenance of the panels, while Solvay will purchase the energy for its production.

“As Solvay’s first solar power project in China, the Zhenjiang rooftop photovoltaic program is a crucial step to achieve our sustainability ambitions. It will serve as an inspiration and prototype for further energy transition projects at our operations across China,” said Leo Sun, the company’s president for Greater China.

With the One Planet roadmap, Solvay said it aims to double the rate at which it reduces emissions. Its target is to curb greenhouse gas emissions by 26% and align its trajectory with the “well below 2°C temperature increase” goal outlined in the 2015 Paris climate accord.

Rheinberg soda ash plant to run on biomass

As a separate part of its sustainability roadmap, the company plans to phase out coal as an energy source at its Rheinberg, Germany, soda ash plant. This is the first plant Solvay will convert as part of a drive to exit coal wherever alternatives exit, and the first such plant in the world to use 100% renewable power after switching from thermal coal to biomass.

The first biomass boiler will start up during May while the second will be switched by 2025. Both biomass boilers will use scrap waste wood chips – a mixture of used wood, from industrial residues and demolition – as fuel to produce steam and electricity. Solvay said switching the boilers will reduce CO₂ emissions at the Rheinberg plant by 65% against 2018.

Author: Dede Williams, Freelance Journalist