Wesfarmers Chemicals Energy and Fertilisers (WesCEF) has taken a major step in its journey towards net zero with the installation of advanced technology that will virtually eliminate emissions from its newest Nitric Acid Ammonium Nitrate (NAAN) plant.

Today, the Premier of Western Australia, the Hon Roger Cook MLA, visited Kwinana to officially celebrate the milestone, which was partly funded by a $500,000 grant from the State Government’s Carbon Innovation Grants Program.

The Program, which is designed to help heavy industry transition to net zero, has contributed to the installation of abatement catalysts that will result in a 98 per cent reduction of the plant’s nitrous oxide emissions.

The NAAN plant is one of three operated by CSBP, a chemicals and fertilisers business which forms part of WesCEF’s portfolio of leading, sustainable businesses.

The installation of the additional abatement catalysts, in combination with existing abatement catalysts installed in 2012, will convert greenhouse gases into less harmful substances before being released into the atmosphere.

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

“I want to ensure Western Australia’s economy remains the strongest in the nation.

“This project is the exact thing I want to see more of in WA.

“By helping decarbonise major job-creating projects, we are ensuring Western Australia’s industry is the best in Australia and our jobs market remains the envy of the nation.”

Comments attributed to WesCEF Managing Director Aaron Hood:

“This enhancement demonstrates what’s possible when industry and government work together towards the common goal of decarbonisation.

“WesCEF has always been an early adopter of emission reduction technology, and what we have installed today is best-in-class and allows us to continue to support key customers in agriculture and mining industries here in WA.

“Our decarbonisation journey began in 2012 when we first installed abatement technology in our plants, and as a result, we’ve abated over 10 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent over the past 13 years.

“This latest installment is yet another major step towards achieving our target of a 30 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050.”

Planning is underway to install the additional abatement technology in CSBP’s remaining two older NAAN plants by 2030.