Twelve years after the eastern part of Westland was connected to the CO2 network of OCAP, a pipeline is going to connect the western part of Westland. With 26 kilometers extra pipeline, OCAP is going to supply almost 50 growers. "Vegetable- and flower growers, big and small," Robert Jan Pabon of OCAP mentions.
The new pipeline will be located in a densely populated and densely built-up area, and the installation works are currently drawing a good deal of attention. It is expected that this summer the first growers will be able to start using the CO2.
No shortages anymore?
This is not the only extension that is in the works. At the end of the year, OCAP hopes to start with the connection of Prima4a. But what about the extension? Last year there was even a CO2 shortage, also for the eastern part of Westland, Robert Jan explains. "I'm very careful with saying that enough CO2 is available because there is not enough to supply the whole horticulture sector," he says. "OCAP always sells the maximum volume that we can buy from our sources. We have done this from day one, and this is also checked by LTO. But we are depending on what's available from those sources."
In the early years, only Shell was catching CO2. "And it turned out that in the first few years less was available than expected, because production dropped due to the crisis. Then you're vulnerable. Later Abengoa, now Alco, joined. With malfunctions or maintenance, you have the other source as backup so you are less likely to get into trouble." Nevertheless, the availability of CO2 is not yet warranted as was obvious last year. "We also saw that after Abengoa's bankruptcy." The fact that we are now extending is because both Shell and Alco indicate that supply is going up. This information was checked by OCAP and LTO.
More CO2 needed
Despite the fact that more CO2 will be available, according to Robert Jan there is still a shortage. To supply the entire horticulture industry, for example, also in periods of maintenance of the sources. "One source will be closed down once every two years, the other one even a few times a year."
To create a CO2 buffer is possible, but is still a costly affair. So, according to Robert Jan, there is only one important issue for the sector as a whole. "To ensure that more CO2 will be available from reliable sources. Everyone wants to reduce emissions and to make consumption more sustainable." And this can be done. “There are several possibilities for this. Catching CO2 from coal fired power stations is not preferred, as this is still coming from black current. CO2 from bio-ethanol could be called green and is a more responsible choice in the longer term."
Also, according to Robert Jan, a buffer is needed. "CO2 can be stored under the North Sea. We can reuse more and reduce emissions. This would be the best solution for the sector and for the environment, but commercially it cannot be done. Legislation and regulations would need to be adapted." And according to Robert-Jan, the required subsidy is actually not high at all. "If you calculate the impact on the environment and horticulture, this solution is a bargain. Per each saved ton CO2, the costs are very low relative to other solutions. But then it has to happen."
Follow the progress of the distribution network expansion through OCAP (available in Dutch).