Press Releases

INEOS ChlorVinyls has today announced its intention to invest in a new Combined Heat and Power (CHP) facility at Picow Farm, Weston Point, in Runcorn, Cheshire.

The facility will consist of a plant that will use the latest ‘Energy from Waste’ technology to burn Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) derived from domestic refuse to generate heat and power for use at INEOS’s neighbouring manufacturing operation at Runcorn Site. 

It is expected that up to 20 percent of the Site’s energy needs could be provided by the CHP facility, which subject to the necessary permissions being granted, could be operational by 2010.

Comments Chris Tane, INEOS ChlorVinyls CEO: “Developing the UK’s Energy from Waste capability forms a vital part of the Government’s overall waste strategy. All local authorities across the UK have been set very tough targets to reduce the amount of waste that they send to landfill. In this context Energy from Waste technology creates a double benefit in that waste can be diverted from landfill to create energy. 

“The CHP facility we are proposing to build at Runcorn will be important for INEOS ChlorVinyls in terms of securing energy for our processes. We also believe it will be beneficial for local authorities in that it will help them to resolve the difficulties they face in disposing of waste. Therefore our proposals have strong environmental and sustainability credentials.”

Energy from Waste is a tried and tested technology that is already being used extensively in Denmark, The Netherlands, France and Sweden, where at least 25% of waste is treated through Energy from Waste schemes.

Adds Chris “Investing in proven technologies such as Energy from Waste enables us to diversify our energy portfolio and mitigate some of the effects of extremely high gas costs in the UK, which have had a massive adverse impact on our business in recent years. 

“The CHP facility would be controlled by stringent regulatory requirements concerning emissions and will meet the highest safety and environmental standards.”

INEOS ChlorVinyls has begun the process of preparing a detailed planning application that will be submitted to the Department for Trade & Industry later this year. 

For further information please contact:

Craig Welsh, INEOS ChlorVinyls Press Office
Phone 01928 511528
E-mail: craig.welsh@ineoschlor.com

Notes to Editors

As the proposed facility will generate more than 50 megawatts of electricity, under the Electricity Act 1989 the planning application will be referred direct to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

Part of the INEOS family of companies, INEOS ChlorVinyls is one of the major chlor-alkali producers in Europe and a global leader in derivatives. The Company is also the largest PVC manufacturer in Europe and the fifth largest in the world. INEOS ChlorVinyls is the largest of the INEOS companies operating at Runcorn Site.

The INEOS operations at Runcorn Site have benefited from a continuous investment programme in recent years to introduce new products and manufacturing plants. In addition to this proposed new investment, INEOS ChlorVinyls is already spending some £390 million as part of a site wide modernisation programme; this includes a recently completed new chlorine cellroom using environmentally friendly technology and a fully centralised control room.