New CHP plant in Antwerp

To produce steam with the highest possible energy efficiency Evonik Degussa Antwerpen NV took in 1999 a CHP (Combined Heat and Power) plant in operation in cooperation with Electrabel. This CHP plant generates 45 megawatts of electricity from natural gas, by which very hot combustion gases are formed. The heat of the combustion gases is largely recovered by producing steam with it.

Such a combination of electricity and steam production consumes 30% less fuel than conventional separate production. Thereby the CO2 emissions are reduced in the same ratio, which is important in the Kyoto agreements.

The restart of the ME-1 production unit and the start-up of the MTBE splitter require additional quantities of steam. To meet this need with minimal additional CO2 emissions, Evonik Degussa Antwerpen NV made a contract with Lillo Energy NV for the construction and operation of a second CHP. The new plant will be started up in 2010. In this way we are able to meet future energy needs, using the best available technology.