Enerkem’s project, Waste-2-Chemicals, has officially decided to set up its first plant in Europe, with Rotterdam as the targeted location.
The development of a waste-2-chemicals plant in the Netherlands, where waste is transposed to synthese gas and subsequently to methanol, is one step closer. A collaboration between AkzoNobel, Van Gansewinkel, Air liquide, AVR, Enerkem and the Port of Rotterdam examine the realization of the plant in Rotterdam, together with the provence of “Zuid-Holland”, Innovation Quarter and Clean Tech Delta
A new phase in the project is reached, where the consortium works together on optimization and the feasibility of the business case. Therefore, the exact location of the plant has to be chosen within the complex of the port of Rotterdam. The goal is to have a definite solution about the realization of the plant in the second half of 2017.
The disruptive technology of Enerkem converts non-recyclable municipal solid waste (i.e. garbage) into renewable chemicals, such as synthesegas and methanol; a primary gas in the chemical sector. Methanol can be transposed into acetic acid (for example for fibers and glue), thickeners and diethyl ether (clean aerosols). These substances are now completely obtained from fossil fuel sources, wherefore the plant will offer a sustainable opportunity. Their plant in Edmont, Canada, is recently certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC). Enerkem’s technology has been developed over 15 years now.
Working on a circular economy
The waste-2-chemcicals plant will be an important step in the transition towards a sustainable and circular way to produce in the port of Rotterdam. The project fits the ambitious plans of the Circular Economy program set up by state secretary Dijksma. The waste-2-chemicals plant is, according to the consortium, of value to the yet existing recycling techniques.