Evonik says it is making energy supply at its German sites significantly less dependent on natural gas. Substitution with alternative energy sources can replace up to 40% of Germany's natural gas supply without significantly curtailing chemical production, according to the company. The volume of gas being substituted reportedly is equivalent to the annual consumption of more than 100,000 households.
The most significant measure is being implemented at Evonik's largest German site in Marl. In the new gas-fired power plant, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will be used instead of natural gas to generate energy. Evonik says it is supported in this by BP. The energy company is making an important contribution to the supply of LPG at the Marl site, according to the company.
Evonik had originally planned to shut down its coal-fired power plant in Marl this year. Following the change in the legal framework, Evonik will now recruit the necessary personnel, invest in technical maintenance and secure coal supplies to ensure continued operation beyond this year, according to the company.
"By substituting natural gas with LPG and continuing to operate the coal-fired power plant, we can completely dispense with natural gas for energy supply at our largest German site in Marl without any significant curtailments in production," says Christian Kullmann, chairman of Evonik’s executive board, in a press release from the company. "The energy supply at our European sites is thus largely secured, even in the event of a Russian gas stop."
Read the entire press release at www.evonik.com
