VINACHEM

Solvay will almost halve CO₂ emissions at its soda ash and bicarbonate plants in Torrelavega, Spain by 2027 as part of an energy transition project to replace coal with biomass, it said on Wednesday.

The company has secured a long-term supply agreement with renewable energy firm ENSO to develop, build and operate a biomass cogeneration unit which will replace 70% of the plant’s coal usage at the site.

“This initiative marks a major milestone in transitioning the plant from thermal coal power to sustainable energy, supporting Solvay’s actions towards carbon neutrality,” the Belgium-headquartered chemicals producer said in a statement.

The biomass unit will be Spain’s largest, repurposing by-products from sawmills, forest maintenance, and wood supply for the pulp and paper industries.

All materials will be certified and sustainably sourced within 100km (62 miles) of the site, Solvay said.

The Torrelavega plant produces soda ash to manufacture glass, solar panels, lithium carbonate for EV batteries and detergents, as well as bicarbonate for a wide range of applications including food, feed, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and air pollution control.