Everything as planned: Project for the new KOH membrane electrolysis system in Ibbenbüren is progressing rapidly
Essen. After the founding of the production joint venture Neolyse Ibbenbüren GmbH, the two partners Evonik Industries and AkzoNobel have contracted with the company Chemieanlagenbau Chemnitz (CAC) to construct the membrane electrolysis system. CAC will handle the EPCM services for the system (engineering, procurement, and construction management). That encompasses the detailed engineering, the purchasing services, construction site management, and support during the commissioning procedure, as well as the test run of the system.
Evonik and AkzoNobel have also already acquired the required technologies and licenses for operation of the membrane electrolysis system and concluded corresponding agreements with suppliers. Construction is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2016.
For the new system in Ibbenbüren, an existing system working on the basis of mercury will be refitted for an energy-saving membrane process. The new system is expected to have an annual nominal capacity of about 130,000 tons for caustic potash solution and about 82,000 tons for chlorine.
After the start of production, which is planned for the fourth quarter of 2017, AkzoNobel will handle the marketing of chlorine as well as the hydrogen produced during the electrolysis, or it will process these products further right at the Ibbenbüren site. Evonik will handle the marketing of the caustic potash solution and the further processing at Evonik's Lülsdorf site. Evonik processes the caustic potash solution among other things to potassium carbonate (potash) in Lülsdorf.
The joint venture is designed to further solidify the leading market positions of the two companies.
About Performance Materials
The Performance Materials Segment is managed by Evonik Performance Materials GmbH. The segment focuses its global activities on developing and manufacturing polymer materials and intermediates, especially for use in agriculture and in the rubber and plastics industry. In 2014, the segment’s roughly 4,400 employees generated sales of €3.83 billion.
About Evonik
Evonik, the creative industrial group from Germany, is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. In its business activities, which are spread across three segments—Nutrition & Care, Resource Efficiency, and Performance Materials—Evonik’s greatest resources are its innovative prowess and integrated technology platforms. In 2014, over 33,000 employees generated sales of around €12.9 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of about €1.9 billion.
Disclaimer
In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.