Hitachi & ASCO partner to supply CO2 Liquefaction Plant for innovative Swiss energy project

"This project brings together environmental and economic benefits," says Ralph Spring, CEO of ASCO Carbon Dioxide. “It’s a “first of its kind” project in Switzerland and we hope, that it will be used as best case example for future biogas or waste-to-power plants”, Spring adds. The existing biogas plant has been producing biogas, which is then upgraded into biomethane for the regional natural gas grid. However, with the new installation, CO₂ that previously was released to the atmosphere, now will be captured and undergoes several steps of filtration and dehydration under high pressure. The plant has a processing capacity of 4,000 tons per year, promoting efficient carbon dioxide utilization and contributing 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, refined by RWB, and fed into the gas grid as biogas. Previously, the captured CO₂ was released into the atmosphere, but now it will be diverted to the new plant for processing into liquid carbon dioxide. "With the new plant, we will be able to capture around 90 percent of the CO₂ produced, which amounts to up to 3,000 tons of CO₂ annually," stated a spokesperson. The new purification process will also eliminate residual methane, ensuring minimal environmental impact and maximizing sustainability.

The liquid CO₂ is stored in large tanks at place before it is collected by Messer Schweiz AG, an industrial gases company based in Lenzburg, and sold on the national CO₂ market. The applications of carbon dioxide range from industrial processes, medical technology, to its inclusion in various beverages within the food industry as carbonic acid. The new plant's contributions eliminate the need for additional fossil carbon dioxide production or imports from abroad.

The collaboration between Hitachi Zosen Inova and ASCO Carbon Dioxide AG represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. This pioneering project underscores the commitment to a greener, more sustainable future of both companies. Further joint projects for Carbon Capture Utilization & Storage (CCUS) are already in the pipeline.

About Hitachi Zosen Inova
Zurich-based Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI) is a global leader in energy from waste (EfW) and renewable gas, operating as part of the Hitachi Zosen Corporation Group. HZI acts as an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor and project developer, delivering complete turnkey plants and system solutions for thermal and biological EfW recovery. Its solutions are based on efficient and environmentally sound technology, are thoroughly tested, and can be flexibly adapted to customer requirements. HZI’s Service Group combines its own research and development with comprehensive manufacturing and erection capabilities to provide support throughout the entire plant life cycle. HZI works for customers ranging from experienced waste management companies to up-and-coming partners in new markets worldwide. Its innovative and reliable waste, flue gas treatment, gas upgrading and power-to-gas solutions have been part of more than 700 EfW and biogas reference projects delivered since 1933.
www.hz-inova.com

For further information, please contact:
ASCO CARBON DIOXIDE LTD
Fabian Weber
Head of Marketing & Communication
T +41 71 466 80 68
fabian.weberascoco2com