Denmark. Haldor Topsøe A/S

The EUR 33 million loan has been provided for an R&D programme focusing on the development of catalysts and technologies for energy efficient processes used for removing harmful emissions, production of clean fuels and power generation.

The loan is aimed at financing the company’s R&D programme for the period 2012–2015. One of the programme’s objectives is to develop catalysts and processing technologies for the refining industry. Another component of the programme is the development of environmental solutions for removing pollutants such as sulphur compounds and nitrogen oxide from gas emissions in power generation, automotive and marine diesel engines, the chemical industry, refineries and waste incineration plants. The programme also includes projects for emerging areas, such as designing technologies for direct conversion of biomass into valuable chemicals as well as for the use of bioethanol for diesel engines.

Established in 1940, Haldor Topsøe A/S (HT) is a technology company and a market leader in heterogeneous catalysis, catalytic reactions and catalytic process technology. HT has been a frontrunner in developing clean energy solutions on competitive terms. The company has production facilities in Denmark and the US, and an engineering company in India.

Catalysts are an important component in reducing pollution. They are widely used for the reduction of dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulphur and other harmful substances in a variety of industries. Improving the catalysts and process technologies will result in the reduction of harmful emissions, consequently improving the environment. HT’s R&D project will also result in improved competitiveness, as it can lead to product innovation in markets with considerable growth potential.

The key environmental issues in this project are the anticipated indirect positive environmental effects as a result of the company’s R&D activities. The proposed R&D programmes will have a focus on developing more environmentally efficient solutions for industry.