Modifying the energy mix of operations by integrating biomass waste as a source of energy
Imerys invests in new facilities to decarbonize it Andersonville site's energy mix by integrating biomass waste as a source of energy.
Main project's drivers for reducing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
Energy and resource efficiency
Energy Decarbonisation
Energy efficiency improvements
Improving efficiency in non-energy resources
Emission removal
Financing low-carbon issuers or disinvestment from carbon assets
Reduction of other greenhouse gases emission
Project objectives
The project goal is to fit the installations to integrate biomass waste as an energy source, to modify the energy mix. It will enable significant reduction in operation carbon fossil emissions (scope 1 emissions). Upon completion, the combustion mix should be modified, passing from a historic of 100% fossil fuel (47% coal / 53% natural gas) to a ratio of 56% biomass (milled peanut shells) / 29% natural gas and 15% coal.
For many years Imerys has identified and implemented project aiming at replacing fossil fuel by biomass fuel in its rotating kilns. This started at Clérac, in France, and then at other groups’ Europeans sites.
More recently in 2019, the Group launched a project aiming at reducing carbon emissions, at its installation in Andersonville, Georgia, in the United States. Carbon emissions from Andersonville’s factory are among the Group’s highest, representing 5% of the group total CO2 emissions (2018 considered as the baseline year).
This project encompasses installing new burners, more optimal for biomass usage (rather than for coal) at Andersonville’s site.
After a pilot test initiated in 2018 on one kiln, Imerys launched a study project on kilns conversion, for peanut shells usage as a biomass fuel.
The project includes the conception of: new burners, storage and feed systems, automatization and renovation of electrical installations.
Upon completion, the project will lead to a 3% CO2 emission reduction (100 kt/year), for the entire Group.
Emission scope(s)
on which the project has a significant impact
Scope 1
Direct emissions generated by the company's activity.
Scope 2
Indirect emissions associated with the company's electricity and heat consumption.
Scope 3
Emissions induced (upstream or downstream) by the company's activities, products and/or services in its value chain.
Emission Removal
Carbon sinks creation, (BECCS, CCU/S, …)
Avoided Emissions
Emissions avoided by the activities, products and/or services in charge of the project, or by the financing of emission reduction projects.
Scope 1 – Biomass usage to replace fossil fuel energy in heat production.
- Quantification : -103 ktCO2e/year
Reduction = New site’s CO2 emissions from coal + New site’s CO2 emissions from gas – total site’s CO2 emission.
Past energy mix with 57% coal and 43% natural gas. It will be replaced by 170 KMT of peanut shells, available in large quantity in the region (160 km around). The target is to reach a ratio of 56% biomass (milled peanut shells) / 29% natural gas and 15% coal.
Peanut shells will be transported by truck, with an average distance of 100 km.
Peanut shells bought by Imerys were due to be destroyed.
Key points
Invested amount
8.3M€
Starting date of the project
2018
Project localisation
Andersonville, Georgia, United States
Project maturity level
Prototype laboratory test (TRL 7)
Real life testing (TRL 7-8)
Pre-commercial prototype (TRL 9)
Small-scale implementation
Medium to large scale implementation
Economic profitability of the project (ROI)
Short term (0-3 years)
Middle term (4-10 years)
Long term (> 10 years)
Illustrations of the project
This project contributes to SDG goal 12 “Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns”. In fact, this new energy source, peanut shells are wastes generated by another industry. It thus contribute to the SDG target 12.5 : “By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse”.
The project is reproducible in other zones where there exists sufficient source of biomass waste, compatible with specific industrial processes.
Multiple contracts have been signed with local suppliers, to ensure a constant supply of biomass waste. Those multi-year contracts provide a predictable source of revenue for local suppliers.
Contact the company carrying the project :
olivier.berger@imerys.com
