Technology for tomorrow – from the heart of the Rhineland
As part of the feasibility study, the development of a CO₂ capture facility with a capacity of up to 300,000 tons per year at EEW’s Refuse-Derived Fuel Power Plant (EBKW) in Hürth is being examined. The EBKW processes up to 320,000 tons of non-recyclable household and commercial waste each year. The energy generated is supplied as process steam and electricity to industrial companies in the chemical park.
The captured CO₂ could be transported out of the chemical park via new infrastructure and permanently stored.
Cross-industry partnership for climate protection
To advance the project idea, EEW is working with strong partners:
• YNCORIS GmbH & Co. KG – Operator of the site infrastructure and co-owner of the EBKW
• SEFE Securing Energy for Europe – International energy company focused on energy security and decarbonization
• OGE Open Grid Europe GmbH – One of the largest gas network operators in Europe and a developer of CO₂ transport pipelines in Germany
The partnership covers the entire CO₂ value chain. In addition, the project could contribute to the formation of a cluster of emitters in the Cologne metropolitan region, thereby fostering the development of a viable infrastructure for CO₂ transport and storage.
Waste-to-Energy as a potential source of negative emissions
A significant portion of the waste processed – around 50% – is of biogenic origin. If this CO₂ is captured and stored, real negative emissions can be achieved. This could allow waste-to-energy to evolve from a source of residual emissions into an active tool for climate protection, contributing to the goal of making Germany climate-neutral by 2045 and climate-negative from 2050 onward.
Industry signals willingness – political action required
“With EEW CaReS Knapsack, we want to work with our partners to explore how CO₂ capture and storage can be technically feasible and economically viable at a waste-to-energy facility. However, for this project to become a reality, we need reliable political framework conditions. Only with the right political support can the necessary investments be triggered. This project is a prime example of how crucial a coordinated expansion of infrastructure and regulation is for the decarbonization of waste treatment,” emphasizes Timo Poppe, CEO of the EEW Group.
Political support from the constituency
“As the Bundestag representative for the Rhein-Erft district, I am pleased about this flagship project in our region. EEW CaReS Knapsack combines climate protection with securing our economic future – it deserves support at all political levels,” says Dr. Georg Kippels, Member of the Bundestag.
Outlook
EEW CaReS Knapsack is currently assessing the technical and economic feasibility of CO₂ capture at a waste-to-energy facility in Germany. Further project implementation requires the establishment of the necessary legal, technical, and economic framework conditions in Germany.
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About EEW:
EEW Energy from Waste GmbH (EEW) is a leading company in the circular economy. At 17 locations in Europe, we recycle more than 5 million tons of waste and sewage sludge every year - and turn it into energy and valuable raw materials. We supply around 700,000 households with electricity. In doing so, we make an active contribution to climate and resource protection. With more than 1,500 employees, we are committed to using waste energy efficiently, reducing the volume of waste, lowering CO2 emissions and closing material cycles. In addition to the thermal recycling of municipal waste, EEW also operates specialized plants for the mono-incineration of sewage sludge - an important step towards phosphorus recycling. Our sustainability strategy includes CO₂ capture, energy efficiency and the development of future-proof technologies.
About YNCORIS
As one of the leading industrial service providers, YNCORIS is the ideal partner for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Whether planning, building, operating, or maintaining facilities, our 1,100 employees and 100 trainees develop tailored solutions for every challenge. With the energy of a young company backed by over a century of industrial experience, we provide the optimal environment for future-proof production. In addition to our headquarters in Hürth, we have locations in Dormagen, Duisburg, Düren, Cologne, Krefeld, and Leverkusen. Our services range from planning and construction to efficient, legally compliant operations and forward-looking maintenance – helping our customers succeed in the market today and tomorrow.
About OGE
OGE keeps gaseous molecules flowing. We create and maintain a modern, safe, and efficient infrastructure for natural gas, hydrogen, and CO₂. Our pipeline network, with a length of over 12,000 kilometers, is essential for Germany’s energy supply and safeguards the prosperity of our society. As one of Europe’s largest gas network operators, we are pioneers, drivers, and enablers of the energy transition and climate neutrality. We see ourselves as transformation advisors and service providers for industry, power plants, distribution network operators, as well as our partners from production and politics. More than 2,000 people find a future-proof and modern workplace within the OGE Group. In the interest of our employees and shareholders, we continuously adapt our business model to ensure sustainable and profitable growth.
For more information, please visit: www.oge.net.
About SEFE
As an international energy company, SEFE ensures energy security and drives the decarbonization of its customers. SEFE operates along the entire energy value chain – from procurement and trading to sales, transport, and storage. Thanks to decades of expertise in energy trading and the continuous expansion of its LNG portfolio, SEFE, with an annual sales volume of 200 TWh of gas and electricity, is one of the most important suppliers for industrial customers in Europe. SEFE supplies more than 50,000 customers, ranging from small businesses to municipal utilities and multinational corporations. Through investments in clean energy and, in particular, in the hydrogen ecosystem, SEFE makes a key contribution to the energy transition. SEFE employs around 2,000 people worldwide and is a company owned by the German federal government. Securing energy – now and for the future.