Hitachi and ASCO are jointly supplying a CO₂ condensing plant for an innovative Swiss energy project

"This project combines environmental and economic benefits," says Ralph Spring, CEO of ASCO Kohlensäure AG. "It is the first project of its kind in Switzerland and we hope it will serve as a best-practice example for future biogas or waste-to-power plants," adds Spring. The existing biogas plant previously produced biogas, which was processed into biomethane for the regional natural gas network. With the new plant, however, the CO₂ that was previously released into the atmosphere is captured and filtered and dewatered under high pressure in several stages. The plant has a processing capacity of 4,000 tonnes per year, promotes the efficient use of carbon dioxide and contributes to the substitution of fossil CO₂.

In addition to reducing CO₂ emissions, Recycling Energie AG and RWB have successfully collaborated in Nesselnbach. Recycling Energie AG produces raw gas, which is refined by RWB and fed into the gas network as biogas. Previously, the captured CO₂ was released into the atmosphere; now it is processed into liquid carbon dioxide at the new plant. “With the new plant, we will be able to capture around 90 per cent of the CO₂ produced, which equates to up to 3,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year,” said a spokesperson. The new purification process also eliminates residual methane, thereby minimising environmental impact and maximising sustainability.

The liquid CO₂ is stored on-site in large tanks before being collected by Messer Schweiz AG, an industrial gas company based in Lenzburg, and sold on the national CO₂ market. The applications of carbon dioxide range from industrial processes and medical technology to its use as carbon dioxide in various beverages within the food industry. Thanks to the contribution of the new plant, there is no longer any need for additional fossil-based carbon dioxide production or imports from abroad.

The collaboration between Hitachi Zosen Inova and ASCO Kohlensäure AG represents an important milestone in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. This groundbreaking project underscores both companies’ commitment to a greener, more sustainable future. Further joint projects for Carbon Capture Utilisation & Storage (CCUS) are already in the planning stage.

About Hitachi Zosen Inova:
Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI), headquartered in Zurich, is a leading global provider of waste-to-energy (WtE) and renewable gas solutions and is part of the Hitachi Zosen Corporation Group. HZI operates as an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor and project developer, delivering complete turnkey plants and system solutions for thermal and biological WtE recovery. The solutions are based on efficient and environmentally friendly technology, are thoroughly tested and can be flexibly adapted to customer requirements. HZI’s Service Group combines in-house research and development with comprehensive manufacturing and installation capabilities to support the entire lifecycle of the plants. HZI works for customers ranging from experienced waste management companies to emerging partners in new markets worldwide. HZI’s innovative and reliable solutions in the fields of waste, flue gas treatment, gas processing and power-to-gas have been deployed in more than 700 waste-to-energy and biogas reference projects since 1933.
www.hz-inova.com

For further information, please contact:
ASCO KOHLENSÄURE AG
Fabian Weber
Head of Marketing & Communications
T +41 71 466 80 68
fabian.weber@ascoco2.com