The Group secured a long-term energy supply agreement with ENSO, which will invest in, construct, and operate a biomass cogeneration unit for the production of clean and competitive energy. This major biomass project will replace 70% of the plant’s coal usage.
The new biomass cogeneration unit will be Spain’s largest, repurposing byproducts from sawmills, forest maintenance, and wood supply for the pulp and paper industries. All materials will be certified and sustainably and locally sourced within 100km of the site. This initiative marks a major milestone in transitioning the plant from thermal coal power to sustainable energy, supporting Solvay's actions towards carbon neutrality. It builds on the successful energy transitions of Solvay's facilities in Rheinberg, Germany, and Green River, U.S., among others.
“With over 116 years operating in Spain, we are proud to transition the plant into a new era, marking a significant chapter in its history. This milestone is a giant leap in reducing our carbon footprint and delivering the most sustainable products to our customers,” said Etienne Galan, Solvay’s President for the Soda Ash & Derivatives business.
“Our broader plans for Torrelavega include offering our customers in Spain soda ash and bicarbonate with the lowest carbon footprint in the market. This project reaffirms our commitment to sustainable and competitive local production, ensuring long-term viability and success.”
The Torrelavega plant, one of Solvay's seven soda ash facilities worldwide, is a key supplier to essential industries, providing soda ash to manufacture glass, solar panels, lithium carbonate used in EV batteries and detergents, as well as bicarbonate used in a wide range of applications including food, feed, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and air pollution control. It employs more than 700 direct and indirect jobs, and represents around 2.5% of the Cantabria region’s GDP.
