- The EU bank is providing €60 million in financing to enable the company to develop and implement more sustainable and efficient technologies in its production process
- The San Roque (Cádiz) chemicals plant will become the first operational plant in the world to install the Detal system, cutting its emissions and water and electricity use and improving safety
- Promoting employment in Andalusia: the project will create 250 jobs during the implementation phase
- The agreement is supported by the Investment Plan for Europe
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is to support CEPSA's commitment to reduce the environmental impact of its activities by financing a globally pioneering R&D project to increase the sustainability of its petrochemicals operations. To this end, the EU bank has granted a €60 million Investment Plan for Europe loan to the company on favourable terms. The agreement was signed in Madrid by EIB Vice-President Emma Navarro and CEPSA CEO Philippe Boisseau.
The EIB-financed investment will be used to install the Detal system, a state-of-the-art technology created by CEPSA and specialised technology company UOP (Universal Oil Products) to produce linear alkylbenzene (LAB), the most commonly used raw material for the production of biodegradable detergents internationally. This technology improves the efficiency of the manufacturing process and cuts CO2 emissions and water and electricity use. It also optimises the production process as it both reduces waste and enables much of it to be reused. Lastly, this technology delivers major safety improvements.
The EIB will monitor the implementation of this project, which CEPSA plans to complete in mid-2020, as part of its goal to move towards a more efficient and sustainable productive model.
The agreement was made possible by the Investment Plan for Europe, which enables the EIB to support investments fostering innovation, economic growth and employment. During the implementation phase, CEPSA estimates that this project will create around 250 (mostly local) jobs, peaking at 400 jobs, and will help to safeguard CEPSA's 3 600 direct and 2 600 indirect positions in Andalusia.
At the signing ceremony in Madrid, EIB Vice-President Emma Navarro highlighted the fact that this project “will help a Spanish multinational to lead the petrochemical industry towards a more environmentally friendly model. With this agreement, the EIB is contributing to the achievement of the EU's climate and environmental objectives by supporting investments enabling CEPSA to develop new innovative and resource-efficient production processes. We are pleased that these cutting-edge technologies are being installed at a factory in Andalusia, helping to create jobs and foster social and territorial cohesion.”
Paolo Gentiloni, European Commissioner for the Economy, said: “A central message of the European Green Deal Investment Plan I presented in January is that all actors must play their part to make the climate transition a success. This agreement signed with CEPSA is a tangible example of how Europe can support companies’ efforts to become greener and more energy efficient – while leading the way in innovation.”
CEPSA CEO Philippe Boisseau added: “We are grateful for all of the EIB's support and for its interest in moving towards safer and more sustainable industrial processes. This project will not only enable us to reduce the impact of our operations (a priority for CEPSA), but also to improve the quality of our output and increase the versatility of the San Roque plant, adapting to the specific requirements of each customer and strengthening international competitiveness. Without a doubt, it is our experience and capacity for innovation in this sector that has enabled us to tackle such a unique project.