Grupa Azoty leading the way for clean coal technologies in Europe

Grupa Azoty intends to build the EU’s first coal gasification plant for industrial purposes in Kedzierzyn-Kozle in an investment worth €500 million – reaffirming its commitment to the development of clean coal technologies.

The chemical company is carrying out feasibility studies for the investment and has indicated initial positive results, adding that the full report will be ready by the end of 2015.

The new Kedzierzyn Kozle plant would yearly use up to 1 million t of bituminous coal, from local mines to be subsequently processed into syngas and ammonia, for internal industrial purposes.

Pawel Jarczewski, CEO of Grupa Azoty, said: “This project is one of the most important strategic investments of Grupa Azoty on which we have been working for over six years. It will allow Poland to use its coal reserves in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly way, bringing together traditionally important mining industry and modern technological solutions.”

The company’s investment is projected to serve as a benchmark for similar projects in future, developing the transition of coal-rich countries into environmentally friendly, advanced, low-emission use of coal in line with the EU climate policy.

Andrzej Czerwinski, Treasury Minister of the Republic of Poland, said: “The development of alternative coal use technologies confirms that coal is one of the most important natural resources of Poland. With more similar investments and the ongoing restructuring programme, the country’s mining industry will secure great prospects of stable growth in the future. It will allow for further modernisation of the Polish economy and foster the process of safe reindustrialisation of Poland.”

Krzysztof Jalosinski, Vice-President of Grupa Azoty responsible for strategy and development, said: “Our investment plans confirm our commitment to the use of innovative clean technologies in the chemical industry. In our R&D schemes, we work closely with some of Poland’s best scientists to find innovative solutions that will drive Poland’s transition to low-emission economy, in line with the EU strategic approach.”

In 1Q16, a final decision on the investment will be made after completion of studies and talks with external partners. Grupa Azoty has indicated it projects up to 3000 workplaces will be created in the construction phase and 150 after its completion.

The company has also signed a cooperation agreement with the University of Science and Technology (AGH) in Cracow to launch a joint research project on coal gasification.

Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/14102015/grupa-azoty-leading-the-way-for-clean-coal-technologies-in-europe-3010/