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PLN 1.45 billion in revenues in a year. What is the money from the sugar levy used for?
This step is part of the efforts to implement the Südzucker Group's emission reduction goals in line with the 1.5 degree target approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)*. In the second quarter of 2024, the Strzelin Cukrownia started the first stage of modernization works, which include: replacing the coal boiler with a gas one and building a gas lime kiln**.
At the same time, construction of an approximately 9-kilometer section of the gas pipeline began, carried out by Polska Spółka Gazownicza. The aim of all planned investments in the first stage is to switch from high-emission fossil fuels, such as coal and coke, to less emissive natural gas, and consequently, to significantly reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, pollutants and dust into the atmosphere.
It is forecast that within a year of completely abandoning coal and replacing it with natural gas, CO2 emissions will be reduced by nearly 50% and dust emissions by 96%. Simply put, this means cleaner air in the area and reduced environmental impact of the production process, while maintaining plant efficiency. The finalization of the mentioned projects is expected in the upcoming 2024/2025 sugar campaign.
Another key investment in the second stage of modernization works is the expansion of the biogas plant, which is an integral part of the energy transformation of the Strzelin Cukrownia. It assumes a significant increase in the share of renewable energy sources in production processes. Thus, this will allow the local sugar factory to achieve zero-emission production in the 2025/2026 beetroot campaign.
Huge investments and modernization works in the Strzelin Sugar Plant are one of the elements of the global sustainable development strategy of the Sugar Division within the Südzucker Group, of which Südzucker Polska is a part.
