LyondellBasell, Covestro Kick Off Investment Project in Maasvlakte-Rotterdam

LyondellBasell and Covestro kicked off a large investment project today at their site in Maasvlakte-Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The Circular Steam Project incorporates an innovative technology into the existing production plant to convert its water-based waste into energy. The new installation will take the site’s existing production process to a higher level of efficiency and sustainability, resulting in an overall annual reduction of ca. 140,000 metric tons CO₂ emissions, 0.9 Petajoule of energy and avoiding the release of 11 million kilograms of salt residue into the surface water. 

The project is an important contribution to the Dutch government’s CO₂ reduction targets.

“The Dutch government’s support is pivotal to the viability of innovative projects like this Circular Steam Project, which will allow us to realize an annual CO₂ reduction equal to taking 31,000 cars off the road and will contribute to yearly energy savings equaling the electricity use of the city of Breda’s 90,000 households,” said Jean Gadbois, SVP Manufacturing Europe, Asia and International of LyondellBasell.

“Our joint site in Maasvlakte is an important element of Covestro’s production network. We are constantly aiming to reduce our specific emissions,” added Dr. Klaus Schaefer, Covestro’s chief technology officer.

LyondellBasell and Covestro will build a new bio plant and incinerator on the Maasvlakte site. The production’s waste will be treated and transformed into steam. The steam will be used as an energy source in the existing on-site production plant, thus making it a circular process. The construction will employ roughly 71 people full-time; the new facilities will eventually provide permanent positions for 11 full-time employees. The official start of the project was marked by a ceremony in which LyondellBasell and Covestro, together with a large group of stakeholders, revealed the construction plan and its key benefits. 

“This project is an important step towards realizing the Dutch ambition of a 49 percent reduction in CO₂ emissions in 2030, compared to 1990,” said Allard Castelein, CEO Port of Rotterdam Authority. “The industry in Rotterdam, being an important emitter, plays a pivotal role in this reduction. The initiative by Lyondell and Covestro is an inspiring example of how this can be done, even in a very competitive market.”

The facility began operations in 2003 and produces propylene oxide and styrene monomer. One of the largest plants of its kind in the world, the Maasvlakte plant is a joint venture between LyondellBasell and Covestro, each owning 50 percent of the plant. LyondellBasell serves as the operator for the plant. The production is based on the unique PO/SM technology of LyondellBasell and is the only plant in Europe applying this technology. The chemicals produced at the Maasvlakte plant form the building blocks for products like clothing, furniture, household products, and construction materials.