- The project receives nearly PLN 100 million from the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management.
- The conversion will replace 100,000 tonnes of coal with biomass annually, reducing CO2 by 200,000 tonnes.
- Completion is expected by 2027, with a tender underway to select a contractor.
- Qemetica aims to eliminate coal combustion by 2033, reducing soda industry CO2 emissions by 45% by 2029.
Investment and Funding
Qemetica Soda Polska has secured nearly PLN 100 million from the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management to convert a coal-fired boiler to a biomass-fired one at its Inowrocław plant. This funding is the largest subsidy in the company's history and is part of a broader strategy to transition to greener energy sources.
Project Scope and Objectives
The project involves converting the existing coal-fired boiler to a biomass-fired boiler and constructing a biomass fuel management system. This conversion is expected to reduce coal consumption by approximately 100,000 tonnes per year and cut CO2 emissions by about 200,000 tonnes annually. The initiative aligns with Qemetica's ESG targets and aims to decarbonize its operations.
Timeline and Implementation
A tender is currently underway to select a contractor for the project, which is expected to be completed by 2027. The investment will include infrastructure for unloading, separation, storage, and transport of biomass, with logistical flexibility for both road and rail transport. The biomass storage system will feature silos with a five-day fuel supply capacity, and modern feeders will transport biomass to the boiler.
Future Goals
Qemetica plans to reduce the soda industry's CO2 emissions by 45% by 2029, compared to 2019 levels, and aims to eliminate coal combustion at its plants by 2033. The introduction of biomass into the energy mix is a significant step towards achieving these goals, with a focus on using ecological fuels like woodchips.
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