Solvay Achieves Major Milestone in GHG Emissions Reduction at Green River Operations

Solvay has officially inaugurated its regenerative thermal oxidation (RTO) process at its Green River plant in Wyoming, marking a significant milestone in the company's global strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable growth. This cutting-edge emissions control technology, a first in the trona mining industry, enhances Solvay's long-term competitiveness while supporting the company's overarching goal of lowering emissions across all operations. The RTO process is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the Green River facility by up to 20% annually, contributing to Solvay's objective of achieving a 4% reduction in emissions at the Group level by 2025.

Philippe Kehren, CEO of Solvay, expressed the company’s commitment to process innovation in the name of sustainability during the inauguration. He stated, “This system strengthens Green River’s position as a U.S. benchmark for sustainable soda ash production and marks a key step in reducing our global carbon footprint. Achieving carbon neutrality requires ambition and dedication, and I’m proud of our teams for driving us closer to our 2030 climate goals while growing the site’s capacity.”

The RTO initiative is part of a broader sustainable growth strategy at the Green River site, which aims to meet the increasing demand for soda ash while minimizing its environmental impact. An expansion of soda ash production capacity by 600 kilotons is currently in progress, with completion anticipated by early 2025. This expansion will coincide with the goal of achieving a 20% reduction in total greenhouse gas emissions by 2025, facilitated by the recent phase-out of coal and the implementation of the RTO process.

Moreover, Solvay plans to enhance its global export capacity through the Port of Vancouver USA by early 2026, reinforcing the company’s supply chain with an efficient logistical approach. Etienne Galan, President of Solvay’s Soda Ash & Derivatives, highlighted the company's competitive advantages, stating, “Our best-in-class competitiveness, carbon footprint, and logistical capabilities will allow us to support our customers' growing needs for sustainable soda ash and sodium bicarbonate, further positioning us as the supplier of choice in the U.S. and export markets.”

Solvay's Green River plant is one of the company's seven soda ash facilities globally and plays a vital role in supplying key industries. It provides soda ash for the manufacture of glass, solar panels, and lithium carbonate used in electric vehicle batteries, as well as bicarbonate for various applications, including food, feed, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and air pollution control.

Solvay, a pioneering chemical company founded by Ernest Solvay, is committed to providing essential global solutions through its workforce of over 9,000 employees. Since 1863, the company has leveraged the power of chemistry to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that address some of the world's most pressing needs. These solutions include purifying the air and water, preserving food supplies, safeguarding health and well-being, creating eco-friendly clothing, enhancing the sustainability of car tires, and cleaning and protecting our homes.

Solvay is dedicated to facilitating the transition to a carbon-neutral future by 2050, reflecting its strong commitment to sustainability and a fair and just transition. As a leading global company, Solvay reported net sales of €4.9 billion in 2023 and is publicly listed on Euronext Brussels and Paris (SOLB).