Greater production and lower emissions – Chemical industry Client on the way to net zero

First step

The aim of the plant was to reduce the consumption of thermal energy contained in steam and condensate. With a strong commitment to environmental protection in its DNA, the company aimed to minimise emissions, with a plan to achieve zero emissions by 2035.

Before working with us, the client team undertook to develop an emission reduction strategy with another auditing company. Unfortunately, their strategic goals were not met. Thanks to our cooperation with EFESO, the client came to us and we met their expectations in 4 months!

We developed a CO₂ reduction map that met the client's key goals. The plant was preparing for a planned doubling of production in 2024-2025. Our roadmap enabled this chemical company to increase production capacity while reducing emissions and energy consumption. Importantly, our strategy did not interfere with the production processes, which was key for the plant.

Implementation of the project

The engineering team’s expertise identified a number of areas where energy losses were occurring, which would allow the heat demand in the main process to be met. The key activities in the plant were heat recovery from air compressors and heat recovery from wastewater.

The plant in China used higher parameters in some areas, such as higher steam temperatures, than necessary, which led to increased costs and losses. Both the Client’s team and the audit firm that had previously worked with them overlooked solutions that would allow the Client to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% if they followed the guidelines we developed.

Reduction of CO2 resulting from the steam production expressed on % of baseline for CO2 in 2026

 

Main challenge

One of the Client's motivations for starting the path to zero emissions was the company's activities in the automotive industry, where many stakeholders attach particular importance to activities that limit the harmful impact of business on the environment. An important aspect of this Client's activity is circularity, which is reflected in the industry in which the company operates - recycling batteries, catalytic converters and critical materials.

Project results

• A precise and understandable zero-emission strategy for the Client created in 4 months
• Reduction of steam consumption by 50% after implementing the first steps of the roadmap
• By 2030: reduction of CO2 equivalent emissions per ton of purchased product by 42%
• By 2035: Zero net emissions

The Client's plant is part of a global group from the chemical industry. This company, with 45 production plants, is a leader in the recycling of batteries and critical raw materials. The plant in Jiangmen is located in southern China and has been operating since 2006.