In the scope of CORNERSTONE-project, Covestro sets and works in the chemical industry case study, which focuses on energy recovery via anaerobic treatment of organically rich liquid waste or wastewater streams that origin from the chemical production of synthetic materials. Relevant streams from Covestro’s production are used to the get a deeper understanding on the impact of recalcitrant or toxic components on biogas generation. Via comprehensive mapping and adapted pretreatment processes the basis is laid for anaerobic testing by the partners Technical University of Darmstadt and Biothane Veolia.
The specific project goals are to evaluate the anaerobic treatability of different wastewater streams with/without pretreatment. The impact of high salt, organics and toxics/recalcitrant is investigated in lab- and pilot-scale. Long-term goal is to explore the opportunity to integrate methane from own waste(water) into the energy and material networks of chemical parks and the chemical industry as such and thereby reducing the dependency on fossil fuels and contributing to climate neutrality.
What motivates and excites us the most about our work is the recognition that every small effort contributes significantly to environmental sustainability. Covestro aims to be a shaping force of the circular economy – based on a long-term strategic program. At the same time an ambitious climate goal was set: Net carbon neutrality in scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035, with an intermediate step of 60 % reduction already by 2030. Contributing to both, CORNERSTONE provides the opportunity to delve into the often overlooked or underappreciated area of generating energetic value from our own waste(water) streams.
For Covestro, CORNERSTONE is the starting point to finally implement anaerobic processes in our plants and sites. Due to the high integration of chemical parks, we expect that equal opportunities exist with other companies and that joint implementation will create synergies and mutual benefit. In this regard, the work done within CORNERSTONE is expected to be a motivation for the chemical industry as such to truly explore the unnoticed anaerobic potential in their waste(water) streams.