Aim
To reduce our direct water footprint by undertaking water-use assessments, to set targets, implement new technologies, raise awareness within the corporation and include water considerations in business decision- making.
Our actions
Sasol’s refining and chemical manufacturing processes require water primarily to regulate temperatures and to generate steam. Supported by Sasol Technology, our operations are working hard to improve our direct water use and water efficiency through technological improvement, as well as the reuse and recycling of water and the development of more water-efficient plants.
Total water usage is not necessarily the best indicator of water-use efficiency and therefore water intensity as an efficiency measure is practised in different industry sectors. We have therefore established water-intensity measurements as a key performance metric. Water intensity relates to the number of cubic metres (m3) used per ton of product produced.
Water-use efficiency has been added to our Operational Excellence Management System.
With usage in 2010 as a baseline, Sasol Synfuels at Secunda and Sasol Infrachem at Sasolburg are both targeting voluntary improved water-use efficiencies. (For details, see the Sasol 2011 and 2012 Sustainable Development Report.)
These targets are linked to the successful implementation of site-specific capital projects and interventions that will improve overall site water balances.
Sasol and General Electric (GE: NYSE)’s GE Power & Water have together developed new water technology that will clean waste water, while also providing biogas as a by-product for power generation. This new technology, known as Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor Technology (AnMBR), will be further developed at a new demonstration plant at Sasol’s R&D Campus at the Sasol One Site in Sasolburg.
“We have to set an example by improving our own direct water-use efficiency. We’re achieving this by changing the way we operate and focusing on water efficiency through site-specific water targets.”
- Bernard Klingenberg: Sasol Group Executive, Southern Africa Energy.
Our existing operations and future growth projects all take into account the increasing demand and competition for water as a scarce resource. Responsible water stewardship is a business imperative.
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