Albert Keukens 1Shin-Etsu PVC, with two plants in Rotterdam, has developed a sustainability strategy centred on three key pillars: reducing scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing the energy efficiency of its plants, and employing renewable and circular raw materials. ‘KH Engineering plays a vital role in this strategy’, says Albert Keukens, Sustainability Manager at Shin-Etsu. 

‘A complex balancing act’ is how Albert Keukens describes Shin-Etsu’s sustainability journey. ‘On the one hand, we have ambitious goals. On the other, we face challenges like inadequate public infrastructure, legislation, and market conditions. If you don’t generate revenue, you can’t invest in sustainability. And if sufficient electricity isn’t available, electrification is impossible. Fortunately, we applied for a new, additional electricity connection with grid operator Stedin in good time. Now, if conditions are favourable, we can realise our plans.’

Framework agreement

Shin-Etsu has had a framework agreement with KH Engineering for many years. Albert explains: ‘We usually start with the earliest conceptual idea or process study, known as the FEL 1 phase. This is then quickly passed on to KH Engineering for design and engineering. They perform a feasibility study (FEL 2), develop a process design and scope, and involve all other necessary disciplines at the appropriate stage. A cost estimate follows, becoming increasingly accurate over the course of the project.’

A typical brownfield environment

‘The project where KH Engineering is currently making its most significant contribution is the modernisation of part of the PVC plant, involving heat recovery and the use of electric heat pumps. For this project, we had initially devised a high-level concept that seemed both technically and financially viable. However, lacking the capacity to proceed further, we once again opted to involve KH Engineering. They are familiar with our standards, principles, and systems, and we know each other personally. Moreover, this is a typical ‘brownfield’ environment – the plants date back to the 1960s and 1970s – so impactful adjustments to the existing plant are necessary. That’s why we asked KH Engineering to conduct the feasibility study, including process design, 3D modelling, and piping studies, to collaborate with other disciplines early on to identify what’s required and to develop an accurate cost estimate.’

shinetsu pernis 8529ok min 1A down-to-earth partner

‘Because we know that surprises from the past are inevitable in a brownfield environment,’ Albert continues, ‘we asked KH Engineering to do some additional work early in the process. During this period, a lot of useful information already emerged. We worked as an integrated team, which proved highly effective. You have to bridge two worlds: Shin-Etsu, as the ‘factory of ideas’ brimming with concepts for better, more efficient, or sustainable solutions, and KH Engineering, the pragmatic partner that keeps us grounded and calculates what’s truly feasible. They provide structure and deliver a well-defined approach.’

Thinking along and ahead

‘What I also value about KH Engineering’, Albert adds, ‘is their proactive mindset. I know many engineers who simply follow instructions, but my experience with KH Engineering so far is that they always go a step further, offering advice on alternative approaches. Often, these suggestions lead to improvements over the original concept.’

Ambitious climate goals

‘For us, the balancing act is finding the right pace for sustainability’, Albert asserts. ‘This is closely tied to market developments, geopolitics, and the as-yet-uncertain regulations surrounding the energy and resource transition. It’s challenging to draft sustainability plans without knowing the regulatory framework. For example, we could use hydrogen instead of natural gas to fuel the cracking furnaces in our vinyl chloride plant, but we need to know the conditions under which this would be permitted. And whether the government would be willing to support us, either through subsidies or by providing swift clarity in regulations. In the Netherlands, the prevailing attitude is that the market should resolve these issues on its own, but this approach won’t suffice to achieve the energy and resource transition. These bottlenecks need urgent solutions. Nevertheless, I’m optimistic by nature; we’ve set ambitious climate goals for a reason!’

 

Shin Etsu logo3

For more information about Shin-Etsu: https://www.shinetsu.nl/en  

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd. is one of Japan’s largest chemical conglomerates, producing PVC, silicones, and products for the electronics industry, among others. Its total PVC production capacity is nearly four million tonnes, making it the world’s largest PVC producer. The company has production sites in Japan, the United States, and Europe. In Europe, it operates a plant in Rotterdam-Botlek with an annual vinyl chloride production capacity of 620 kilotonnes. That is the raw material for PVC. This plant supplies the PVC plant in Pernis, which has a capacity of 450 kilotonnes of suspension PVC, via a pipeline, and a sister plant in Portugal via ship. KH Engineering has been a trusted partner of Shin-Etsu in the Netherlands for many years.