Belgium – E.ON has made a major investment in the construction of an energy recovery plant at Imerys’ production site in Willebroek, Belgium.
This innovative project aims to utilize the syngas produced by Imerys as a valuable energy source for a new power plant. With advanced exhaust gas treatment systems in place, the initiative is set to significantly reduce emissions and improve air quality in the region. The E.ON power plant, with a capacity of up to 29 MWel, will not only provide electricity for the Imerys site but also supply energy to approximately 40,000 households throughout the year.
Syngas recovery
Imerys, a global leader in high-performance conductive additives for lithium-ion batteries and technical polymer applications, has experienced rapid growth due to the increasing demand for e-mobility and lithium-ion batteries worldwide. To meet this demand, Imerys has decided to expand its production capacity of high-purity carbon black in Belgium. The production process of carbon black generates significant amounts of syngas, containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide, which are currently flared, resulting in a loss of energy potential.
To address this, E.ON will construct an advanced energy recovery plant on the Imerys site to fully recover and utilize the energy content of syngas by producing steam. The steam will then be used to generate electricity through a high-efficiency steam turbine with a capacity of up to 29 MWel. In addition to meeting Imerys’ energy requirements, the excess electricity generated by the plant will be supplied to the public grid, providing power for approximately 40,000 households. E.ON also envisions exploring the potential to utilize the residual heat from the power plant for a future district heating network.
Sustainability goals
The energy recovery plant, owned and operated by E.ON Power Plants Belgium, a subsidiary of E.ON SE, aligns with the sustainability goals of both Imerys and E.ON. By utilizing the power generated from the plant, the reliance on conventional power generation will be reduced, resulting in a carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions reduction of more than 25,000 tons per year. This estimate is based on the average CO2 emissions from power generation in Flanders. Furthermore, the project will contribute to improved air quality locally by reducing sulfur and nitrogen emissions, thanks to the implementation of advanced exhaust gas treatment units such as DeNOx and DeSOx systems.
The collaboration between E.ON and Imerys represents a significant step towards sustainable energy production and reduced environmental impact. By leveraging the syngas produced during Imerys’ carbon black production process, the energy recovery plant will generate electricity while minimizing emissions and enhancing air quality. This project showcases the potential for industrial symbiosis and highlights the importance of partnerships in driving the transition to a greener future. With the plant expected to begin commercial operation in the second half of 2025, the E.ON-Imerys initiative serves as a model for sustainable energy solutions that benefit both companies and the local community.
