Greenhouse Gas

Our commitment to climate action

At Sasol Chemicals, we recognize the crucial role businesses play in addressing climate change risks while seizing opportunities in the transition to create social value. We are committed to supporting the Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goal 13 (UN SDG 13), aligning with the mainstream climate science outlined by the Interngevernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which aims for net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.

We are answering the sustainability call through the way we run our operations and the solutions we provide to our customers.

In line with this commitment, we are actively working to gradually reduce our emissions and improve our performance, aiming to achieve net-zero by 2050. Our approach, rooted in science, targets a 30% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. We continuously refine our roadmap by identifying additional strategies and measures to support this progress. Roadmap implementation focuses on renewable electricity and low-carbon energy/feedstocks for steam production. Energy and process efficiency improvement projects are a priority in the context of high energy costs. A strong pipeline of emission-reduction projects is in development to deliver on the 2030 target.

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Sasol Chemical is focusing on five key strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions:

Renewable Energy: We’re investing in both direct and virtual renewable power purchases at our main production sites.
Process Optimization: We’re improving efficiency through digital tools and energy-efficiency programs.
Carbon Capture, Use, and Storage (CCUS): We capture and convert carbon into useful chemicals and fuels. We have assets in the US and Europe that are ideally positioned in industry corridors that are ready for collaboration on CCUS.
Advanced Technologies: We’re keeping an eye on developments in electrification and blue and green hydrogen, which will help us reach our targets.
Policy and Funding: We adapt to changes in policies, regulations, and funding opportunities, which guide our planning and actions.

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Selected highlights of Sasol Chemicals GHG emission reduction initiatives by region

North America

North American operations is currently planning projects for renewable electricity, aimed at cutting Scope 2 emissions. Looking ahead, we are focusing on developing an energy-efficiency program for Lake Charles, Louisiana, and rolling out an AI-driven process optimization application that is currently in testing. We implemented AI-driven technology at selected production units to monitor energy usage and emissions, with the goal of cutting CO2 emissions and boosting energy efficiency. This technology will provide accurate data to guide decision-making and promote more sustainable operations.

Moreover, a recent study on CCUS was conducted to identify the optimal process scope for meeting product quality and storage requirements. Additional studies are underway exploring the potential for advanced technologies, like the use of blue and green hydrogen, to reduce emissions.

Eurasia

Eurasian operations encompass plants located in Germany, Italy, and China. For all plants in these countries, we established GHG reduction programs focused on renewable energy. In Germany, power purchase agreements have already been finalized. Further agreements will be concluded for our sites in Brunsbüttel and Marl, Germany, as well as in Augusta and Sicily, Italy, where solar energy will be utilized.

In Brunsbüttel, Germany, the production plant has long utilized biomass-based steam. We plan to expand this energy source with the operation of a nearby power plant in 2025. The Marl production site in Germany has transitioning from steam supplied by a coal-fired power plant to one fueled by natural gas, resulting in an significant reduction of CO2 emissions annually.

Further, energy and process efficiency improvements are being evaluated across all production plants to reduce GHG emissions.

Africa

Sasol operates two plants in South Africa: one in Sasolburg and the other in Secunda.

In 2022, Sasol concluded a wind power purchase agreement for its Sasolburg operations. This was a crucial step in enabling our plans for the production of green hydrogen, laying the groundwork for a green hydrogen economy beyond 2030.

Additionally, we have entered into several agreements to procure a combination of wind and solar energy.

Sasol is actively exploring various options specifically geared for our assets in South Africa to produce and conserve steam in our plants. Primary focus is on enhancing energy efficiency, with alternative steam production solutions being key considerations within the roadmap, alongside biomass boilers or process electrification using renewable energy sources.

For more information on our global emission reduction efforts, please refer to our Sustainability Reports

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Learn about our commitment to reaching net zero by 2050

Our dedication to a greener future

Modern societies will see shifts in how they live, and modern economies will change how they produce and move goods.

Watch the video to explore how Sasol is leading the way toward a more sustainable future.