Together with CAC Engineering, Asahi Kasei has installed nine chlor-alkali electrolysers at Bondalti Chemicals’ (Bondalti) premises in Estarreja, Portugal. This project to convert the brine electrolysis unit, co-financed by the Portuguese Recovery and Resilience Plan, marks a new phase of modernisation and will contribute to a significant increase in efficiency and reliability. It will also support the achievement of the ambitious decarbonisation goals that are part of Bondalti’s strategy. With EU regulations on decarbonisation constantly tightening, the industry is under pressure to re-evaluate its power consumption and utilisation of resources during the manufacturing process. At Bondalti’s new plant, one of the nine electrolysers will also be utilised for trial runs with new components, aiming to enhance electrolysers’ environmental performance, including power reduction and resource optimisation.
This electrolyser uses Asahi Kasei’s newest ion exchange membranes and electrodes that feature improved performance compared to conventional products. Electrolysers apply an electric current that separates brine (concentrated salt water) into chlorine, caustic soda, and hydrogen which are then used in a broad variety of chemical products in different industries. In line with Asahi Kasei’s efforts to establish a circular economy within the chlor-alkali industry, used cells and electrodes from these trials will be recycled into materials for reuse in new components.
“We are happy to see Bondalti’s new plant starting operation on schedule,” added Yoshifumi Kado, Senior General Manager of Asahi Kasei’s Ion Exchange Membrane & Electrolysis System Division. “By combining Asahi Kasei’s comprehensive system know-how with CAC’s advanced engineering technology and Bondalti’s onsite knowledge, these three key players will further expand the boundaries of the European chlor-alkali industry, contributing to a more sustainable approach to manufacturing.”
“The integration of nine new electrolysers during a running production was an exceptional technical task and a further proof of the long-standing cooperation with Asahi Kasei for over 25 years and the trustful and constructive cooperation for more than 8 years in several projects with the experienced team of Bondalti,” concludes Mike Niederstadt, COO at CAC Engineering. “The project excellently shows the advantages of combining technological innovation, operational excellence, and large scale plant engineering expertise on a constructive and cooperative basis.”