Sustainability at the Leuna chemical site
The companies at the Leuna chemical site and InfraLeuna are committed to the goal of climate neutrality.
Investments at THE site for sustainable chemistry
Plant operators and service providers are equally challenged and are committed to increasing energy efficiency, using renewable energies, utilising non-fossil raw materials and developing recycling processes, among other things. InfraLeuna's infrastructure services are consistently developed towards sustainability and efficiency in line with the requirements of chemical customers.
As a companion and driver of the transformation, we are thus creating increasingly sustainable production conditions, including through:
- Efficiency and flexibilisation measures in the in-house generation of electricity and steam
- self-supply with renewable energies from wind and solar power
- the supply of renewable resources such as biomethane and biogenic CO₂
- Infrastructure and service expansions in line with sustainability and environmental requirements
- diverse synergy effects through the close material and energy network
- Embedding in a strong research landscape
Innovative solutions for a sustainable chemical industry
We are driving change in the chemical industry with innovative approaches and sustainable solutions. Efficient energy management, alternative raw material sources and a consistent circular economy are just as much a focus as the key role of hydrogen for a climate-friendly future.
Efficient and sustainable energy and infrastructure management
Through intelligent power plant control, electricity export during off-peak periods and the energy network, InfraLeuna creates an optimised electricity portfolio that gives customers access to market opportunities and effectively integrates renewable energies. The utilisation of waste heat from energy-intensive processes also offers great potential for a sustainable energy supply. Customers value the comprehensive infrastructure and energy management expertise as well as the range of renewable resources such as green electricity, biomethane and biogenic CO₂ at the Leuna chemical site.
Non-fossil and biogenic - change in the raw material base
One approach on the way to CO₂ neutrality is the use of biomass as a starting material for the production of chemicals. Research facilities in Leuna are conducting research into renewable raw materials that will later lead to commercial processes. Raw materials such as vegetable oils, cellulose, starch or sugar are processed and converted into chemical products. One of the largest chemical production projects in Leuna is a plant that produces biochemicals from sustainably sourced hardwood for the manufacture of recyclable everyday items.
Hydrogen: key role in decarbonisation
Green hydrogen is essential for the sustainable transformation of the chemical industry, and Leuna offers ideal conditions for this: Existing infrastructures and hydrogen producers enable the production of green hydrogen. Research facilities such as the Hydrogen Lab Leuna also offer suitable structures for innovative projects, such as the development of e-fuels or the optimisation of H₂ production. In this context, the location makes an important contribution to the climate-friendly design of road, ship and air transport with projects in the field of emission-free mobility.
Circular economy and multiple use
The circular economy is a key area of activity at the Leuna chemical site. By-products are effectively utilised, waste is avoided and the need for fossil raw materials is reduced by combining materials and energy. Efficient water and wastewater systems, such as the multiple utilisation of cooling water and the treatment of steam condensate, also help to conserve resources. At the same time, investments are being made in plants for easily recyclable plastics and in research into scalable recycling and raw material solutions. A large-scale research centre planned in parts of Leuna aims to convert chemical processes to recyclates and renewable raw materials.