Vopak Vlaardingen, located in the Port of Rotterdam, has commissioned a new 10-megawatt electric boiler (e-boiler) to support its sustainability initiatives and contribute to the energy transition in the Netherlands. The e-boiler is a key milestone for the terminal, which specialises in the storage of vegetable oils, fats, and feedstocks for biofuels.
Walter Moone, president of Vopak Netherlands, expressed gratitude for the collaboration behind this achievement, stating, “Vopak’s infrastructure plays an important role in the Netherlands, both in terms of energy security and in the energy transition. With this e-boiler, we can fulfil our role in a more sustainable way. We would like to thank everyone involved, both inside and outside Vopak, who helped make this happen.”
The e-boiler, powered by green electricity since 2021, enables CO2-neutral operation and significantly reduces environmental impact. Approximately 3,500 tons of CO2 are saved annually, equivalent to the gas consumption and emissions of about 2,000 households. This innovation allows many of the terminal’s stored products, which require heating for transport, to be processed more sustainably.
The terminal’s efforts align with its broader sustainability ambitions. In 2023, 16 new tanks were installed to store waste-based vegetable and animal raw materials used in the production of biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel. With growing demand for sustainable fuels in Europe, Vopak Vlaardingen is positioning itself as a key player in supporting this transition.
Beyond CO2 reduction, the e-boiler alleviates pressure on the national electricity grid. It operates at full capacity during periods of surplus wind and solar energy, storing heat for later use and making efficient use of renewable energy.
Koen Kegel, alderman at the Municipality of Vlaardingen, inaugurated the e-boiler in a festive ceremony. He praised the company’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “The municipality of Vlaardingen is proud of companies like Vopak that take responsibility for reducing their own CO2 emissions. The new electric boiler plays a major role in this. This innovation saves an amount of gas that is equivalent to the consumption of thousands of households.”
With the introduction of the e-boiler, Vopak Vlaardingen reaffirms its dedication to supporting both the local community and the global energy transition, setting an example for sustainable operations in the energy storage sector.
For more information visit www.vopak.com
