INEOS Automotive has successfully opened a state-of-the-art €15 million biomass heat plant at its Hambach production and assembly site. The facility, which operates at 9.2 megawatt output, will consume 14,000 tonnes of locally sourced and sustainable woodchips annually, providing 78% of the site’s heating needs. This significant investment is part of the company’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact and carbon footprint.
The new biomass plant, which features two boilers and a heat pump, is expected to cut 8,800 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, a substantial reduction in emissions. The waste ash generated from the biomass will be recycled and used as a fertilizer, enriching its nitrate content.
The Hambach site, which has undergone significant upgrades since 2019, has invested over €500 million in new facilities, including a fully automated body shop, semi-automated paint shop, quality inspection laboratory, and wading pool for water ingress testing. This expansion has increased the site’s usable footprint by 60%, resulting in a corresponding increase in heating requirements.
INEOS Automotive’s CEO, Lynn Calder, stated that the company is proud of its advanced facilities and exceptional workforce, which have made the site one of the most advanced automotive production sites in Europe. Philippe Steyer, President of INEOS Automotive SAS, emphasized the importance of sustainable energy capacity, citing the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
The project received support from France’s ADEME (Agency for Environment & Energy Management) and Dalkia, providing a grant of up to €1.5 million. The Hambach Energy Transition project is a testament to INEOS Automotive’s dedication to reducing its environmental impact and creating a more sustainable production process.