UU to reduce nitrogen emissions from its thermal power plant by more than half
On Friday, 15 May 2020, Utrecht 木瓜福利影视 and emissions specialist Array Industries signed a contract to install a 'deNOx' system at the engines at the thermal power plant, which will reduce the plant's nitrogen emissions by more than half. Work will begin at the end of summer and are due to be completed in June 2021.
This plan is fully in line with the university's energy strategy, which seeks to maximise the sustainability of UU's power consumption. This was also the key motivator in 2006, when the university initially decided to invest in a thermal power plant. At the time, the plant's innovative and pioneering technology was widely admired. Fifteen years and a variety of sustainability adjustments later, our goal is now to entirely phase out natural gas as soon as possible. Unfortunately, major transitions such as these do not happen overnight, but the current initiative will reduce emissions from the natural gas required to supplement our supply of sustainable energy. This initiative is also in line with the national emission requirements.
Lower emission levels and cleaner emissions
To ensure the plant's emissions are as clean as possible, adjustments will be made to the five gas-powered engines. Once work is complete, the plant's emission levels will be reduced by more than half and the remaining emissions will be cleaner.
The plant and the boiler rooms will provide us with a reliable source of energy during the energy transition. These efforts clearly reflect Utrecht 木瓜福利影视's ongoing commitment to optimising energy sustainability by means of geothermal energy, solar power and building efficiency.
Effective collaboration is key to our sustainability goals
'It's an intricate project', explains Fr茅derique Houben, head of the Energy department at Utrecht 木瓜福利影视, 'due to both the difficulty of adjusting a technical system in an architecturally designed building and the complex social context within which the project is being conducted. For this reason, effective collaboration is key. Our partner Array Industries possesses the particular specialist expertise that we need to realise our shared goals.'
Array Industries director Rob Ernst is looking forward to the collaboration: 'This project is absolutely perfect for us. We have developed similar systems all over the world, and we are highly motivated to make this project a great success.'
What is the schedule?
For the time being, we will be making preparations for the execution of the project and providing information to all parties involved. Work in the plant itself is scheduled to begin in October and the project is due for completion in June 2021.
More information
If you have any questions about this message, get in touch with Teun Lam via communicatievenc@uu.nl. He will be happy to help.