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DRT installs biomass power station in its Vielle-Saint-Girons site

World leader in the development of rosin and turpentine extracted from pine, DRT is pleased to announce that its proposal to install a biomass cogeneration power plant at its site in Vielle-Saint-Girons (Landes, France) has been accepted by French government Ministers Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet (Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, Transportation and Housing) and Eric Besson (Industry and Digital Economy). This installation reaffirms DRT’s position as a pioneer in Responsible Chemistry, committed to the environment and to the use of renewable energies.

DRT responded to a government call for tender over one year ago with a proposal to eliminate the consumption of fossil fuels at its facility in Vielle-Saint-Girons. To generate power, the site would instead use byproducts obtained from the distillation of tall oil. To respond to the bid, the company Biomass Energy Solutions VSG was formed, bringing together DRT, Cofely (GDF SUEZ Group), Solarezo, expert in new energy technologies (photovoltaic panels and biomass) and the Caisse des Dépôts. This new conglomerate of major industry players will finance, build and operate for a minimum of 20 years a biomass-based cogeneration power plant. The plant will begin operating in 2014.

Responsible Chemistry  

In a continuous effort to reduce the impact of industrial activities on the environment, DRT has made the search for alternatives to petroleum-based products its top priority. This project is therefore a natural continuation of the work initiated by DRT in eco-friendly developments. Thanks to the biomass cogeneration plant, all of the fossil energy consumed by the Vielle-Saint-Girons site will be spared, thereby preventing the emission of more than 400,000 tons of CO2 over 20 years of operation, equivalent to the emissions of 8,000 motor vehicles.  

Acting Locally

A cogeneration power plant is far more efficient than a conventional power plant. 97 GWh of electricity and 214 GWh of heat can be generated without releasing any fossil fuel carbons. The installation of a biomass cogeneration plant represents an investment of 55 millon euros. Fifteen jobs will be created on site as well as in the local wood energy sector. In all, the project will create over 50 jobs in the Landes region.  

Smart Wood Supply  

As a major player in the pine chemistry industry, DRT has always worked towards the responsible and sustainable development of its activities. Also powered by Solarezo (of whom DRT is a majority shareholder), this biomass cogeneration plant will allow the Vielle-Saint-Girons site to utilize 16,000 tons of byproducts. In light of the company’s commitment to the responsible management of natural raw materials, the project includes a proposal to use wood chips supplied by well-organized local wood energy sectors. A partnership that once again demonstrates the close ties that exist between green chemistry and renewable energy.

Key Figures  

  • € 55 million investment in the Landes region
  • More than 50 direct and indirect jobs created 
  • 150,000 tons/ year of biomass used 
  • € 9 millions / year in the local wood energy industry
  • 97 GWh and 214 GWh of steam generated without fossil carbons
  • Over 60% efficiency compared to 35% efficiency for a conventional power plant 
  • Elimination of 20,000 tons of CO2  per year    
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