Recently in Germany, Dr Martin Brudermüller (BASF) and Dr Markus Krebber (RWE) presented a project idea that shows how industrial production can become sustainable and future-proof.
In partnership with Chairman of the Mining, Chemical and Energy Industries Union (IG BCE) Michael Vassiliadis, the project envisions an additional offshore wind farm with a capacity of 2 gigawatts (GW) to provide the Ludwigshafen chemical site with green electricity and enable CO2-free production of hydrogen.
The aim is to electrify the production processes for basic chemicals, which are currently based on fossil fuels. This will involve utilising CO2-free technologies such as electrically heated steam cracker furnaces to produce petrochemicals. BASF is already working with partners on developing these technologies. To advance the joint project, the CEOs of BASF and RWE have signed a letter of intent covering a wide-ranging cooperation for the creation of additional capacities for renewable electricity and the use of innovative technologies for climate protection. “Together we want to accelerate the transition to a CO2-neutral chemical industry through electrification and through the use of CO2-free hydrogen,” said Brudermüller and Krebber.
Michael Vassiliadis, Chairman of the Mining, Chemical and Energy Industries Union (IG BCE), commented: “Here, two strong partners are making climate-friendly transformation and energy transition tangible and concrete. We stand behind this major project because it can be a symbol for the innovative power of industry and its employees. In many places, they are working with great passion and expertise to shape the transformation. They deserve all the support they can get.”
