Nobian and Adven Collaborate to Establish New Electric Caustic Soda Production Facility in Delfzijl

Nobian is set to construct a new energy-efficient electric evaporation plant for caustic soda production in Delfzijl, which is expected to cut CO2 emissions by up to 25,000 tons annually. Partnering with energy provider Adven, the project aims to achieve an impressive 85% energy savings. Today, Nobian, a European leader in salt, essential chemicals, and storage caverns, formalized the agreement with Adven at the Chemical Park in Delfzijl. The facility is projected to be operational by 2027 and marks Nobian's first use of this innovative technology in its caustic soda evaporation process.

This new plant is part of a broader, multi-year collaboration between Nobian and Adven. In addition to constructing the plant, Adven will oversee its operation and maintenance. The initiative aligns with Nobian’s ambitious sustainability program, “Grow Greener Together,” which aims for carbon neutrality by 2040 through the utilization of 100% renewable electricity.

The centerpiece of the plant will be an industrial heat pump powered by electricity, which will significantly reduce CO2 emissions associated with caustic soda production. The projected reduction in emissions is comparable to the CO2 produced by approximately 198 million miles driven by cars. Robert Jan Poppen, site manager for Nobian Delfzijl, emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving systemic change. He stated, “We believe that systemic change is only possible by working together with our customers and partners. By switching to electricity for this part of the process, we become less dependent on natural gas, marking a significant advancement in our mission to be carbon neutral by 2040.”

Nobian strives to position itself as one of the most sustainable chemical companies in the EU. Marco Waas, Nobian's Chief Technology & Sustainability Officer, noted, “Nobian is an indispensable link at the beginning of many industrial production chains in the Netherlands. Collaborations like this accelerate our ambition for sustainable production. The construction of this energy-efficient electric evaporation plant aligns with our sustainability agenda and will help us reduce our CO2 emissions more rapidly.”

Adven, with its roots in Northern Europe, is a dynamic energy group committed to accelerating the energy transition. They work closely with customers, municipalities, and suppliers to develop sustainable solutions. Victor Donselaar, Country Manager for the Netherlands, highlighted the trend of companies, especially in the chemical and dairy sectors, transitioning to more sustainable energy sources as natural gas becomes less favorable.

The partnership between Nobian and Adven also complements Nobian's other sustainability efforts. Recently, Nobian signed a Joint Letter of Intent with the Dutch government to solidify its commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2030. This Tailor-made approach enables major industrial emitters to reduce their emissions more efficiently, which includes support with permitting processes for faster project progression.