E.ON and Imerys inaugurated a 29 MW energy recovery plant in Belgium, converting industrial syngas into electricity while reducing emissions sustainably.
E.ON Power Plants Belgium and Imerys Graphite & Carbon (IGC) have officially commissioned a cutting-edge Energy Recovery Plant at Imerys’ manufacturing facility in Willebroek, Belgium. The inauguration marks an important milestone in industrial decarbonization and energy efficiency as Europe continues to accelerate its transition toward electric mobility and cleaner industrial operations. The ceremony was attended by Jean-Luc Crucke, Belgium’s Minister of Mobility, Climate and Ecological Transition, underscoring the strategic importance of the project in supporting the country's climate and energy objectives.
The newly operational facility has been designed, financed, owned, and will be operated by E.ON. It recovers energy from industrial syngas produced during Imerys’ manufacturing process and converts it into electricity using a high-efficiency steam turbine. The syngas generated during production contains significant concentrations of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, making it a valuable energy source that can now be utilized instead of being wasted. With an installed electricity generation capacity of up to 29 MW, the plant provides sufficient power to meet the complete electricity demand of the Imerys production site. Excess electricity is exported to the Belgian public grid, supplying enough energy to meet the annual needs of approximately 40,000 households.
The Willebroek facility is globally recognized as Imerys’ flagship production site for high-purity carbon black, a critical conductive additive used in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and stationary energy storage systems. The material also plays a significant role in manufacturing advanced polymers used in electric vehicles, power transmission cables, and renewable energy storage technologies. As demand for electric mobility and energy storage continues to grow, improving the sustainability of carbon black production has become increasingly important.
During the production of high-purity carbon black, syngas is generated as a natural by-product. Traditionally, much of this gas would have been flared, resulting in lost energy potential. Through the newly commissioned Energy Recovery Plant, this valuable energy stream is now fully captured and converted into electricity, significantly improving resource utilization and overall process efficiency. The project demonstrates how industrial waste streams can be transformed into valuable energy resources, reducing reliance on conventional electricity generation while contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
An equally important feature of the installation is its advanced environmental protection system. The facility incorporates modern DeNOx and DeSOx flue gas treatment technologies, regarded as the best available solutions for reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions. These emission control systems ensure compliance with stringent European Union environmental regulations while improving local air quality. The investment reflects Imerys’ broader commitment to minimizing its environmental footprint and maintaining responsible operations within the local community.
Several key achievements distinguish the project. The facility delivers an installed generating capacity of 29 MW, enabling self-sufficiency for the Imerys production site while exporting surplus electricity to the national grid. It also enables complete utilization of syngas that was previously lost through flaring, significantly improving energy efficiency. Furthermore, the integration of advanced emission control technologies helps reduce local atmospheric pollutants and establishes a new benchmark for industrial air quality management. The project also strengthens the long-term strategic partnership between E.ON and Imerys through a multi-year electricity supply agreement.
Frank Wittchen, Vice President and General Manager of Imerys Graphite & Carbon, highlighted the significance of the project, describing it as a transformative step in optimizing production processes while maximizing resource efficiency and reducing climate and environmental impacts. He emphasized that years of collaboration, mutual trust, technical expertise, and commitment from both organizations played a vital role in bringing the project to successful completion.
Marc Spieker, Chief Operating Officer – Commercial and member of the E.ON SE Board of Management, stated that the facility demonstrates how industrial energy transition initiatives are already becoming reality through strong partnerships. He noted that achieving commercial operation represents a significant milestone for E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions and reinforces the company's contribution to Belgium’s evolving low-carbon energy landscape.
The origins of the project date back to June 2023, when E.ON and Imerys signed a long-term cooperation agreement to develop the Energy Recovery Plant. Construction commenced shortly afterward at the Imerys site in Bedrijvenpark De Veert, Willebroek. Following successful commissioning, the facility has now entered full commercial operation.
The Energy Recovery Plant is owned and managed by E.ON Power Plants Belgium, a subsidiary of E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions. In addition to securing a long-term electricity supply for Imerys, E.ON continues to expand its portfolio of industrial energy recovery projects, operating similar facilities at Oleon in Ertvelde, Promat (Etex Building Performance) in Tisselt, and Dow Benelux in Terneuzen, further demonstrating its expertise in delivering sustainable industrial energy solutions.
Impact on Products and Chemical Commodity Prices
The inauguration of E.ON and Imerys' 29 MW Energy Recovery Plant is expected to strengthen the sustainability and cost competitiveness of high-purity carbon black production, a key material used in lithium-ion batteries, conductive polymers, and energy storage applications. By utilizing syngas that was previously flared, Imerys can reduce energy costs, improve operational efficiency, and lower carbon emissions, enhancing the reliability of supply for battery-grade carbon black. Although the project does not directly increase production capacity, it supports long-term manufacturing stability and could encourage similar investments across the carbon materials industry.
For chemical commodities tracked by ChemAnalyst, the immediate pricing impact is expected to be limited. High-purity carbon black prices are likely to remain largely demand-driven, influenced by electric vehicle battery production and downstream industrial consumption rather than this energy optimization alone. Over the longer term, improved production efficiency may ease manufacturing costs, potentially placing mild downward pressure on carbon black prices while supporting stable supply and improved market competitiveness.
