PRESS RELEASE

A Hull chemicals manufacturer has announced plans to install an on-site wind turbine to generate its own electricity.

Croda Chemicals Europe is proposing the installation of a 3 mega watt wind turbine on its manufacturing site at Oak Road, Hull, as part of a long standing company commitment to sustainable development and environmental improvement.

Electricity generated by the turbine will be fed directly into the company’s electricity supply, reducing the need for the company to import power from the National Grid reducing its emissions of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas.

Mark Robinson, Operations Director, said: “Caring for the environment and the well being of future generations is at the heart of company policy and decision-making. The company has committed itself to a sustainable development strategy and one of our key targets is a reduction in carbon emissions.

“Wind turbines provide the most feasible option for establishing an effective renewable energy source on our site and will also reduce energy costs, helping the company maintain its competitive market position in the face of significant UK energy price increases and ensuring the long term success of the site.”

Croda has made significant efforts to reduce its energy consumption by over 50% in the last 5 years. This has been achieved through financial investment in more efficient equipment and the commitment of all employees to manage energy at the point of use. The installation of the wind turbine supports the next step in the drive for improved energy efficiency.

Mark Robinson continued: ‘’The company submitted a planning application to Hull City Council in May 2006 following a detailed environmental assessment. If successful, it is anticipated that the turbine could be installed in the summer of 2007.’’

Local residents were formally notified of the company’s plans by letter in March 2006 and two public exhibitions have been held to provide further information with the opportunity to discuss the project with Croda representatives. The response received following public consultation has been generally supportive.

The site in Hull employs 175 people in the manufacture of fatty acid amides used as slip additives in the plastics industry. These are produced from renewable raw materials such as UK grown rapeseed oil.

Croda Chemicals Europe is part of Croda International Plc, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of natural based speciality chemicals, used in a wide range of industries.

The project is being managed for Croda by renewable energy consultancy TNEI Services Ltd.