French government supports Syensqo site decarbonisation

Syensqo’s decarbonisation project at the Saint-Fons near Lyon has been chosen as one of seven industrial initiatives under the ‘Major Industrial Decarbonisation Projects’ call for proposals. This is part of the France 2030 investment plan

The company plans to invest about €20 million to install a large-capacity electric boiler to produce steam, replacing two natural gas boilers. It should lead to a 22,000 tonnes/year CO2-equivalent reduction in emissions, when commissioned in 2029. A biomass boiler, using regionally sourced wood waste, is being installed at the site now

These projects are part of Syensqo’s global One Planet ambition, which aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. The company says that this also supports the broader decarbonisation efforts by companies in the Vallée de la Chimie, through the ‘Declyc’ low-carbon industrial zone.

Saint-Fons is entirely focused on speciality chemicals. Its main product is vanillin for the food, flavours and fragrances sectors, which resumed operations last year in response to changing market conditions and growing demand in Europe. The other markets it supplies are headed by agriculture, pharmaceuticals, electronics and polymers.