IEI, which is the first customer of the electricity company to convert to biomass, consumes approximately 37 GWh of electricity annually and will require approximately 22,828 tonnes of biomass fuel annually.
The energy used to power the plant will be derived from natural energy sources including palm kernel shells (PKS), which are formed from the palm trees that are plentiful in the area. PKS are generated after palm oil is extracted, and were previously considered as waste. However, they have recently been seen as a good source for biomass fuel because they burn at high temperatures due to their low water and high calorific content.
In its Environmental Vision established in 2021, Epson committed to becoming carbon negative and underground resource free by 2050. To achieve the decarbonization goal set forth in the Paris Agreement, Epson has positioned renewable electricity use as a priority action in its 2025 Science Based Targets achievement scenario.1
The company has therefore set an ambitious goal of converting to 100% renewable electricity worldwide by 20232.
To achieve this, Epson is steadily converting its sites worldwide using sources including mega-solar panels, geothermal heat and hydroelectricity depending on the characteristics of the region.
"We are delighted to complete the transition to biomass fuels," said Emile Pattiwael, president of IEI. "Epson is only one company, but we have shown how we can contribute to sustainability by working with partners to help create a better world for future generations. We strongly encourage other corporations to take similar steps."
