SUSTAINABLE Heating’s biomass steam plant at Aspen, Gqeberha has achieved exceptional air emission results, the company said, adding that the results demonstrate the significant strides the company has made in promoting renewable energy and sustainability.
The facility started operating last year and has been generating ‘impressive’ environmental outcomes. The latest emissions survey, conducted by Safetech on July 25, 2024, confirmed that the company’s biomass boilers met and exceeded the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (NEM: AQA) regulations for emissions. The particulate matter emissions were recorded at just 12.05 mg/m³ and 3.42 mg/m³ for the two biomass boilers, far below the regulatory limit of 250 mg/m³
The plant’s advanced bag filters, which were installed as part of a R10 million investment, are contributing to exceptional air quality standards. The company’s biomass boilers are currently reducing carbon emissions by 10,969 tons of CO2, highlighting the positive environmental impact of this technology.
“The air emission results we’ve achieved reflect our ongoing commitment to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint. Our goal is to continue making the world a more sustainable place, and these results are a testament to our dedication,” said Paul Gorremans, CEO of Sustainable Heating.
Sustainable Heating’s use of biomass, specifically wood chips, as a renewable energy source in place of fossil fuels such as paraffin, is leading the way in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Biomass steam generation also uses significantly less electricity compared to traditional fuel-based systems, making it an eco-friendlier option for industrial steam production.
With the Aspen facility on track to save approximately 550,000 tons of carbon over the next 15 years, this development is poised to attract attention from stakeholders in the renewable energy and sustainable industrial sectors. Industry leaders, manufacturers, and companies involved in sustainable heating will find this innovation beneficial in their efforts to reduce their environmental impact.