Manufacture of Soda Ash
Production of soda ash (sodium carbonate) via the Solvay process or trona mining with specific GHG emission thresholds.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Mitigation
The specific GHG emissions from soda ash production must not exceed 0.789 tCO2e per tonne of soda ash (EU ETS product benchmark for the Solvay process). This threshold covers direct emissions from the calcination of sodium bicarbonate, combustion of fuels for steam and heat generation, and process CO2 releases, as well as indirect emissions from electricity consumption. Emissions must be verified under the EU ETS Monitoring and Reporting Regulation (EU) 2018/2066.
The Solvay (ammonia soda) process involves reacting sodium chloride with ammonia and CO2 to form sodium bicarbonate, which is then calcined to soda ash. BAT as described in the Large Volume Inorganic Chemicals - Solids and Others (LVIC-S) BREF requires optimisation of energy recovery from the process, minimisation of limestone consumption, and efficient ammonia recovery. Combined heat and power (CHP) plants feeding the process must achieve high overall efficiency.
Facilities producing soda ash from natural trona ore (natural soda ash) typically have lower emissions. All production routes must demonstrate compliance with the EU ETS benchmark or provide evidence of continuous improvement toward it.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Adaptation
A CRVA per Appendix A must be performed, covering the production facility and brine supply infrastructure under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios.
DNSH: Climate Change Adaptation
Physical climate risks must be assessed, including water availability for the brine solution mining or Solvay process, extreme heat effects on crystallisation efficiency, and flooding risks to waste settling ponds and distillation columns.
DNSH: Water and Marine Resources
The Solvay process is water-intensive. The activity must comply with the Water Framework Directive. Effluent discharge (containing calcium chloride, ammonia, and suspended solids) must meet BAT-AELs. Brine extraction must not cause ground subsidence or contaminate groundwater aquifers.
DNSH: Circular Economy
Process by-products (calcium chloride solution, distiller waste) must be valorised where feasible, for example in road de-icing or construction materials. Limestone kiln waste must be recycled. Energy recovery from process heat must be maximised.
DNSH: Pollution Prevention and Control
The activity must comply with the Industrial Emissions Directive and LVIC-S BREF. Ammonia emissions must be minimised through efficient recovery systems (BAT-AEL below 5 mg/Nm3). Particulate emissions from calciners must not exceed BAT-AELs. Waste settling ponds must be managed to prevent groundwater contamination.