Attero, a market leader in waste processing, and Nordsol, a pioneer in clean energy, have officially launched their bio-LNG plant in Wilp, Netherlands. On Thursday, September 11th, 2024, Her Majesty Queen Máxima presided over the opening ceremony of this state-of-the-art facility, which produces sustainable bio-LNG from biogas derived from vegetable, fruit, and garden waste (VGF). The plant marks a significant step toward decarbonizing maritime and heavy road transport, reinforcing the shift to a circular economy.
The bio-LNG plant is designed to process 6 million Nm³ of biogas annually, transforming it into 2,400 tonnes of high-purity bio-LNG and 5,000 tonnes of liquid bio-CO2. The biogas comes from the fermentation of vegetable, fruit, and garden waste (VGF) sourced from households. This amount of bio-LNG can fuel trucks for more than 10 million kilometers, making a significant contribution to reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, the installation is set to reduce CO2 emissions by 87,500 tonnes over the next decade, a figure equivalent to the carbon uptake of over 4 million trees.
John van Haeff, Business Unit Manager Organic at Attero, expressed his pride: “We are honored that Her Majesty Queen Máxima opened our plant. This facility demonstrates that waste is a valuable source of clean energy and raw materials. Together with Nordsol, we are contributing directly to CO2 reduction and promoting the circular economy.”
A Dutch Innovation Supporting Climate Goals
The collaboration between Nordsol and Attero highlights Dutch innovation at the forefront of renewable energy production.
Robert Goevaers, Director of Platform Groen Gas, emphasized the significance of this project: “This Dutch innovation makes local production of bio-LNG from organic waste streams very attractive. It accelerates the sustainability of heavy transport while contributing to a truly circular and fossil-free economy.”
Bio-LNG is an especially important solution for sectors where electrification remains challenging, such as long-distance freight transport, shipping, and aviation. Renewable fuels like bio-LNG are critical to achieving sustainability in these areas. The fuel’s compatibility with existing infrastructure makes it a scalable, cost-effective alternative to conventional fossil fuels.
According to Léon van Bossum, CEO of Nordsol, “With our technology, we produce real bio-LNG, not from fossil sources but from organic waste. We can already apply this technology to many of the 20,000 biogas plants across Europe, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.”
Supporting EU’s Energy Transition
The bio-LNG plant in Wilp aligns with the European Union’s climate and energy transition goals. The project received a €4.3 million grant from the EU in 2021, signaling the EU’s recognition of bio-LNG’s role in making long-distance heavy transport more sustainable. This support is part of a broader EU strategy, including the FuelEU Maritime Regulation adopted in 2022, which aims to reduce the greenhouse gas intensity of fuels used in the maritime sector. The regulation starts with a 2% reduction target in 2025 and plans to cut emissions by 80% by 2050.
Daniel Mes, a member of Eurocommissioner Wopke Hoekstra’s Cabinet, expressed optimism about the plant’s potential: “The European Commission sees great potential in Attero and Nordsol’s bio-LNG plant. We are following the developments with interest and enthusiasm.”
Wilp in brief
Wilp, a village in the Netherlands, is gaining recognition as a hub for sustainable energy production, particularly with the launch of the new bio-LNG plant by Attero and Nordsol. Strategically located near key waterways, Wilp’s connection to the maritime industry is vital for advancing green shipping solutions. The production of bio-LNG in this region offers a significant opportunity for cleaner marine fuel alternatives, making it an ideal location for future bunkering operations. As the maritime sector seeks to reduce its carbon footprint, Wilp’s role in supplying bio-LNG to vessels could play a pivotal part in achieving sustainability goals.
The plant is a pioneering step in the transition toward sustainable fuels for maritime and heavy transport industries, offering a tangible contribution to European and global efforts to combat climate change.
About Attero and Nordsol
Attero is a leading company in Europe specializing in waste processing. The company plays a crucial role in the circular economy by converting waste into valuable energy and raw materials, significantly contributing to sustainability.
Nordsol is a pioneer in clean energy solutions, focusing on producing bio-LNG from organic waste. Their advanced technology supports the global transition away from fossil fuels, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Source Attero