The installation of modern LNG regasification stations has been completed at the Mineral-Asphalt Mixture Plant of the Infrastructure Division in Łomża. This is a groundbreaking step towards sustainable development and modernisation of production infrastructure. This investment was carried out in cooperation with Barter S.A., a supplier of mobile LNG stations with a total capacity of 1500 Nm³/h, allowing for the efficient meeting of the plant's energy needs while simultaneously reducing emissions and operational costs.
Moreover, the Mineral-Asphalt Mixture Plant in Łomża is one of the first in Poland to use LNG as an energy source. In that way, the plant sets new trends in the construction industry, promoting innovative and eco-friendly solutions that could serve as a model for other companies.
Why LNG?
LNG, or liquefied natural gas, is becoming an increasingly popular fuel in industry and energy sectors, mainly due to its low emissions and relatively low operating costs. As a fuel with a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional fossil fuels like heavy heating oil, LNG emits less carbon dioxide, sulphur oxides (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), significantly reducing its environmental impact.
The decision to install an LNG station in Łomża aligns with Unibep’s strategy aimed at minimising CO₂ emissions and adapting to increasingly strict environmental regulations. Switching to LNG also brings economic benefits, especially in the long-term operation of the plant, by reducing operational costs and improving energy efficiency.
Benefits for the environment
One of the biggest advantages of using LNG in the production process is the significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Compared to the traditionally used heavy fuel oil (ZROP) in the industry, LNG emits, on average, 20-30% less CO₂ per unit of energy. Moreover, emissions of sulphur and nitrogen oxides, which negatively impact air quality and public health, are nearly zero, making this a significant advantage for environmental protection.
As part of the new installation, the transition to LNG will make the production of mineral-asphalt mixture (MAM) in Łomża more environmentally friendly, allowing for a reduction of CO₂ emissions by approximately 706.5 tons per year when producing 100,000 tons of MAM. This is a very good result, which translates not only into benefits for the environment but also enhances the corporate image of a company committed to ecology and sustainable development.
Operational Safety
The newly installed LNG infrastructure is not only eco-friendly but also technologically advanced. A one hundred twenty-metre-long pipeline, equipped with a reduction path, ensures safe and efficient gas delivery to the dryer burners. Thanks to the use of valves, filters, and regulators, the entire system is monitored for leaks and operational efficiency, with control managed from the factory’s computer.
At the same time, the mobility of the LNG regasification stations provides Unibep with operational flexibility—if needed, the stations can be relocated and used at other locations. The entire system is under constant monitoring thanks to telemetry solutions that track gas levels and pressure, minimising the risk of failures and production downtime.
Another element of the ESG strategy
It is worth recalling that a year ago, the Infrastructure Division of Unibep took the first step towards environmental protection by installing photovoltaic panels at the Mineral-Asphalt Mixture Plants in lipowa Góra, Lewki, and Łomża. This aligns with the broader ESG strategy of the Group, aimed at reducing CO₂ emissions and energy costs. Currently, with the installation of LNG, Unibep is taking another step towards sustainable development, continuing its mission of responsibility for the natural environment.
