Chemical reaction - an energy-intensive industry finds the solution in CHP

Rising living standards in many parts of the world mean rising energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Having long-term secure supplies of energy and raw materials is essential for the success of manufacturers and industries. However, fossil fuel reserves are limited. A leading chemicals company in an energy-intensive industry, BASF recognizes and is addressing the challenges this presents in ensuring a sustainable future.

Power plants are the key to securing competitiveness in energy-intensive production. In the chemicals industry, energy costs account for on average 10%-15% of manufacturing costs, and sometimes as much as 50%, as in the case of electrolysis. Combined heat and power (CHP) is a highly efficient technology for the chemicals industry due to its economic and emissions savings. BASF’s CHP plants produce both electricity and steam, raising net fuel utilization to around 90%. They make a major contribution to achieving the company’s goal of reducing specific CO2 emissions per tonne of product sold by 10% by the year 2012 from 2002 levels