E.ON Benelux agrees energy-efficient contract with ASTRAL
Electricity producer E.ON Benelux has finalised an energy-efficient contract with Astral Calcining B.V. for the purchase of steam and supply of electricity. Astral is constructing a factory on the Maasvlakte to produce high quality carbon for the aluminium industry. The carbon production will release steam, which E.ON Benelux will convert into electrical power. Most of this power will be supplied to Astral and the remainder will be added to the production capacity of E.ON Benelux. The medium-pressure steam released during the production of electricity will be supplied to a nearby chemical plant. Hence, E.ON Benelux is living up to its 'more efficient with energy' slogan. This method requires less coal to produce electricity and E.ON Benelux contributes to a further reduction of CO2 emissions. Moreover, the use of high-pressure steam enables efficient generation of electricity with benefits both on the environmental and performance fronts.
The new carbon production plant is likely to go on line in 2004. The contract runs for 15 years.
The contract was realised after a painstaking study in close cooperation with DCMR and the Rotterdam City Port Authority (Gemeentelijk Havenbedrijf Rotterdam).
E.ON Benelux produces electricity and heat and supplies energy related services. E.ON Benelux is part of the E.ON group, the world's largest private energy producer.
Astral has operations in three continents, with its head office in Dubai.