AkzoNobel and Evonik start chlorine and potassium hydroxide production in Germany
On 13 February 2018, Euro Chlor members AkzoNobel Speciality Chemicals and Evonik Industries successfully started chlorine and potassium hydroxide production at their joint venture facility in Ibbenbüren, Germany after just a year and a half of preparation.
Employing state-of-the-art membrane electrolysis methods, Neolyse Ibbenbüren GmbH is expected to produce up to 75,000 metric tons of chlorine and 120,000 metric tons of potassium hydroxide per year.
Neolyse Ibbenbüren GmbH will also generate hydrogen for the upgrading of fossil fuels and in the production of ammonia and, thanks to the new technology, the ecological footprint of every ton of chlorine produced in Ibbenbüren will improve by 25 to 30% meaning less energy use and fewer CO2 emissions.
Whilst the site will be operated by AkzoNobel, who will commercialise the chlorine and hydrogen produced, Evonik will distribute the potassium hydroxide solution and process part of it into other products such as potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate and potassium formate at Evonik's Lülsdorf site.
According to Werner Fuhrmann, CEO of AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals, at the sites opening ceremony, “the Ibbenbüren facility sets a new benchmark in the chlor-alkali industry”. Dr. Harald Schwager, Member and Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board at Evonik was also positive, noting that “throughout the project, we have proven that two experienced partners can bring in their broad expertise and intelligently shape their business environment together”.
More information can be found on the AkzoNobel and Evonik websites.
