Friday, 13 November 2009 - press release

Minister for the Environment Joke Schauvliege leads the installation’s official inauguration

On Friday 13 November 2009 Taminco and SPE-Luminus inaugurated their new Combined Heat and Power (CHP) installation, which will lead both to a 19.14% reduction in primary energy consumption and a yearly reduction in CO2 emissions of 16,000 tons. The ceremony was attended by Minister Schauvliege, Port Alderman Christophe Peeters and other notable figures. This project is part of Taminco’s long-term strategy for sustainability and demonstrates the compatibility between ecology and economy. With a renewable energy production capacity of 12%, SPE-Luminus is, in relative terms, the greenest energy producer in Belgium and has acquired considerable experience with CHP installations.

This new installation is not the first sustainable project to be undertaken by Taminco. For several years the company has striven to integrate sustainability into its strategic decision making. Several moves have been made to limit, as far as possible, the impact of the organization’s activities on the environment. In July 2008, a new methylamine production installation was put into operation, which is responsible for a yearly 15,000-ton reduction in CO2 emissions.

Taminco and SPE-Luminus are sending a clear message with this CHP installation, “The main goals outlined in the European 20-20-20 plan include reducing greenhouse gases and increasing energy efficiency, and as an industrial player we are keen to do our bit. Above all we would like to stimulate other companies, as well as private individuals, to consider how they can help shape a sustainable future”, states Piet Vanneste, Vice President Operations at Taminco. This message was underlined by Ghent Port Alderman Christophe Peeters and Minister for the Environment Joke Schauvliege, who led the inauguration ceremony.