Nobian, a major salt producer, has reached an agreement with the Dutch government to reduce CO2 emissions by transitioning its Delfzijl and Hengelo salt factories from gas to electricity. Climate and Green Growth Minister Hermans will sign the contract today in The Hague.
This initiative is part of the government’s effort to make tailored agreements with about twenty large industrial companies to achieve the 2030 climate goals. These include firms like Tata Steel IJmuiden and Shell’s refineries.
Nobian will receive a €185 million subsidy to transition ten years earlier than planned, reducing their annual CO2 emissions by 525 kilotons. The plan includes installing industrial heat pumps and saving 300 million cubic meters of gas by 2030, equivalent to the usage of 250,000 households in The Hague.
Additionally, the Rotterdam chlorine production will cut electricity use by 15%, equating to the consumption of around 50,000 households. Nobian is also collaborating with Gasunie to store hydrogen in salt caverns in Zuidwending.
The total cost of Nobian’s sustainability plans is €645 million. Minister Hermans hopes this will encourage other companies to follow suit despite challenges such as international competition and energy costs.
Nobian’s situation is unique due to its reliance on local salt grounds, making relocation unfeasible.
Source: NOS