Work to construct ECLUSE tunnel has begun

The works that will bring the ECLUSE steam network from the left bank to the right bank of the Scheldt are advancing. Via this tunnel, ECLUSE will transport the recovered energy from the waste-to-energy plants at Indaver and SLECO in the form of steam to the speciality chemicals company Evonik. The tunnel is an essential connecting link that makes it possible to achieve a sustainable, circular and climate-neutral chemical industry as part of an industrial symbiosis on both banks of the Scheldt. The ECLUSE tunnel is being realised in the form of a public-private collaboration: Indaver, FINEG, SLECO, Maatschappij Linkerscheldeoever, Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Water-Link, with support from the Flemish Government.

Energy recovery today

Today, energy from the waste-to-energy facilities in Doel is already being re-used to a large extent. While burning waste, the hot flue gases are used to generate steam in a steam boiler. That steam is then directly delivered, via ECLUSE, to five neighbouring companies in the port. They utilise the supplied heat directly in their chemical processes and tap into the steam grid as needed. The steam that is not called upon is converted to electricity by means of a turbine. Connecting Evonik to this steam network also increases the proportion of heat that is directly utilised. This provides a significantly higher energetic yield than converting it to electricity.

Additional reduction of 100,000 to 150,000 tons of CO₂ emissions

At its site in Antwerp, near the Tijsmans Tunnel, Evonik currently has a significant need for steam, which is met by burning natural gas. By connecting to ECLUSE, Evonik can significantly reduce the amount of fossil fuel required. The amount of natural gas saved as a result is equivalent to the annual consumption of more than 38,000 households. The switchover to steam from ECLUSE will also provide a reduction amounting to 100,000 to 150,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually. About half of the waste processed in Doel is of biogenic origin. This means that 50% of the steam produced is therefore considered green heat.

Tunnel as necessary connection to achieve a sustainable industrial cluster

The waste-to-energy site on the left bank of the Scheldt aims to maximise the use of steam produced during waste processing for heat applications. Evonik, which is located on the right bank of the Scheldt, requires large quantities of steam. Linking to the two together provides a more sustainable energy supply as part of an industrial symbiosis. To realise the link, ECLUSE is building this tunnel under the Scheldt.

Future

Other Evonik has been connected, other companies on the right bank will also be able to connect to the steam network. In addition to the ECLUSE 2 steam pipeline, the tunnel will accommodate additional pipelines. There is a clear need for additional pipeline passage capacity under the river Scheldt. The ECLUSE 2 tunnel meets this need and is therefore facilitating the potential growth of the Antwerp industrial cluster. Further opportunities for the cascading of heat can also be explored in the future.

Society gains on many levels

The benefits of ECLUSE 2 for people and society are great:

• a reduction in fossil fuels and more renewable energy. Companies that connect to ECLUSE 2 can make substantial savings on fossil fuels by turning off their own plants. The steam they use from ECLUSE is 50% green;
• reduced CO₂ emissions will be the result. Evonik's connection will save at least 100,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually by enabling existing gas-fired plants to be shut down. Once ECLUSE 2 is being utilised at full capacity, CO₂ savings may exceed 150,000 tons per year;
• reduced nitrogen emissions. The switchover to steam from ECLUSE will make a significant contribution to reducing nitrogen emissions: by reducing the use of fossil fuels, Evonik will be able to reduce nitrogen emissions for its energy supply by up to 200 tons of NO_X per year. That represents a 75% reduction;
• fulfilment of energy and climate goals. ECLUSE 2 will make an important contribution to the fulfilment of the 2020-2030 National Energy and Climate Plan (NEKP) target
  • with regard to the expansion of heat networks: ECLUSE 2 can provide 10 to 24% of the target;
  • in terms of growth for green heat production: ECLUSE 2 can account for 7.5 to 19% of the target;
• less energy loss. Less energy will be lost during the thermal processing of waste. The waste heat will also be re-used.

You can read more about ECLUSE here.