Aug 26 2005
BOC has signed a 10 year agreement with Biofuels Corporation (Biofuels) to supply nitrogen and compressed air to the company’s brand new plant at Seal Sands, Teesside, for the production of environmentally friendly biodiesel.
Biodiesel is produced from vegetable oils and as an environmentally friendly product, could make a significant contribution towards reducing greenhouse gases and meeting Kyoto targets.
BOC is contracted to supply up to 26 tonnes of gaseous nitrogen a day to Biofuels from the nearby BOC plant at Teesport. Nitrogen is used as an important safety blanket in Biofuel’s chemical processes.
When fully commissioned the Biofuels site at Seal Sands will produce at least 250,000 tonnes of biodiesel a year, equivalent to 284 million litres, using renewable vegetable oil crops as the feedstock.
BOC managing director Nigel Hunton, said: “The agreement with Biofuels represents a significant investment for BOC, both in financial and human terms and we are proud to be associated with the future of alternative fuels in the UK.”
Said Hunton: “Ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of industrial gas is a major requirement of Biofuels for their new production facility at Seal Sands.
“Over the past two years the BOC commercialisation team, led by major customer executive, Dr Dave Lockyer, has been working with Biofuels and their consultants to ensure delivery of a flexible, cost effective and reliable source of nitrogen and compressed air – as key safety and process enhancers in Biofuel’s plant operations.”
Dave Lockyer commented: “The flexible nitrogen supply will be provided by the extension of an existing pipeline serving other important chemical customers in Seal Sands, whereas the compressed air will be supplied from a dedicated on-site facility.”
Biofuels Corporation finance director, Bob Green said: “Biofuels is driving forward the development and production of biodiesel in the UK from our facility at Seal Sands, to which BOC has brought extensive knowledge and expertise. We are delighted to have established a long-term relationship with BOC through this new contract.”
http://www.boc.com/