See the start of Ragn-Sells' circular construction
This Tuesday, the first sod was dug at Högbytorp, just outside of Stockholm. And the construction of a new facility for extracting valuable resources from fly ash from waste incineration has begun.
Our new business supports Sweden’s official ambition to become the world’s first fossil free welfare nation, according to Minister for Enterprise Ibrahim Baylan.
– I am pleased to see Ragn-Sells make this investment in order to contribute to the transition of our industry, and to our goals regarding circular economy and for Sweden to become the world’s first fossil free welfare state, Swedish Minister for Enterprise Ibrahim Baylan says.
Due to the current circumstances Bylan was unfortunately not able to attend the ceremony. Instead, he together with other intended guests were able to follow the ceremony on social media instead and make virtual statements.
Each year, Sweden produces roughly 300,000 metric tonnes of fly ash, a by-product from the treatment of exhaust from plants incinerating waste for heating and electricity. Around half is sent to a discontinued limestone quarry on the Norwegian island of Langøya near Oslo. This practise means that neither resources nor toxic substances are extracted. Additionally, the Langøya quarry will reach maximum capacity and close down within a few years.
– Depositing fly ash in old quarries is last century’s solution, but until now, incineration facilities have not had a sustainable alternative. Now they will have one, and we look forward to carrying on talks in Sweden and abroad about our circular solution, says Mikael Hedström, CEO, Ragn-Sells Treatment & Detox.
The new plant at Högbytorp will be able to receive 150,000 tonnes of fly ash per year.
Facts: Ash2Salt
When flue gas from waste incineration is scrubbed and filtered, fly ash is formed and captured. This ash is classified as a hazardous waste due to high levels of pollutants, but also contains several desirable compounds, such as potassium and sodium. In the Ash2Salt process, the fly ash is washed and three commercial salts are extracted from the wash liquid: sodium chloride, potassium chloride and calcium chloride.
The ash residues that remain after treatment with Ash2Salt are no longer a hazardous waste, as the majority of environmental toxins have been separated. Therefore, the residues do not need to be placed on special landfills for hazardous waste, and the total volume going to landfill is reduced.
