French water, waste, and energy management group Veolia has officially inaugurated a biomass-fired steam plant to cater to the energy needs of Brazilian thermoplastic resin producer Braskem SA. The clean energy facility, located at the Marechal Deodoro industrial hub in Alagoas state, was constructed at a total cost of BRL 400 million (USD 81.7m/EUR 74.9m).
Under a 2021 agreement, Veolia is committed to supplying steam from the newly operational plant to Braskem for a period of 20 years, supporting the operations of Braskem's PVC factory in the region. Veolia anticipates that the plant will generate approximately 900,000 tonnes of steam annually, contributing to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 150,000 tonnes per year.
Beyond the construction phase, Veolia assumes responsibility for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the plant, as well as its comprehensive management. This includes the oversight of agroforestry management for biomass and the integration of other circular sources of fuel, aligning with Veolia's commitment to sustainable and circular economy practices.
The strategic collaboration between Veolia and Braskem represents a significant investment in clean energy infrastructure, addressing the growing demand for sustainable solutions in industrial processes. The biomass-fired steam plant not only reinforces Veolia's role in advancing renewable energy but also contributes to the broader objectives of reducing carbon emissions and fostering environmentally responsible practices in the Brazilian industrial sector.
