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23 July 2007
Sasol has become the first company globally to register a nitrous oxide (N2O) abatement Clean Development Mechanism project using secondary catalyst technology to convert the greenhouse
gas N2O into harmless nitrogen and oxygen gases.
The project is expected to earn significant income through sales of the resulting carbon credits. A share of these carbon credits will be invested to benefit local
community-based sustainable development projects.
"This project reflects our continuous drive to decrease the impact of our
operations on the environment through the use of innovative technologies. It
offers significant environmental benefits for Sasol, our local communities and
South Africa." says Dr Reiner Groh, group general manager, Sasol Chemical
Businesses.
Sasol Nitro commissioned its N2O emission abatement technology
during the first quarter of 2007. It expects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
equivalent to about a million tons of carbon dioxide a year. One ton of N2O has
the greenhouse gas impact equivalent to 310 tons of carbon dioxide.
The project was developed with the assistance of specialist international
suppliers MGM International and Heraeus. MGM International is a leader in the
development of greenhouse gas emission reduction projects worldwide. Sasol Nitro
has a long standing supply agreement with Heraeus, which provides catalyst
technology for nitric acid production facilities.
The Sasol Nitro nitrous oxide (N2O) abatement project for the
reduction of emissions from its two nitric acid plants based at Sasolburg and
Secunda in South Africa is the first of its kind worldwide. This is the first
time that a project using secondary catalyst has been registered as a Clean
Development Mechanism project in terms of the Kyoto Protocol.
Sasol is achieving significant reductions in its air pollutant emissions and
is reducing its overall environmental footprint by reducing emissions and
promoting energy and water efficiencies.
Note to editors:
- A carbon credit is a tradeable permit scheme which is an incentive for
countries and businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the air.
- A single carbon credit is equivalent to a ton of CO2 reduced.
- Developed countries that ratified the Kyoto Protocol have set quotas on the
levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Businesses that exceed their allowed quotas
must buy carbon credits, while those that operate below quotas can sell the
remaining credits. The Clean Development Mechanism allows developing countries
to generate carbon credits which can be used by developed countries to offset
their emissions.
- Carbon credits can be exchanged by means of buying or selling in international
markets.
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