Dow Chemical to use biomass
By Q4 2012 the Aratu Complex will begin burning eucalyptus wood biomass for the generation of power for its chemical processing plants. Over 75% of power and steam produced at the plant will then come from hydropower and eucalyptus cogeneration.
Brazilian-based Energias Renovaveis do Brasil will install the biomass generation plant and operate the facility after signing a supply agreement Dow.
When operational the biomass-fired power plant will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 180,000 tonnes a year and save around 200,000m3 of natural gas a day.
The Aratu site will be the first of its kind to utilise biomass in Brazil.