Environmentally Sound Technologies (EST) help industries improve cities’ living conditions

In-plant biogas recycling and utilization in Rizhao

In 2002, China, Switzerland and UNIDO signed an agreement to implement Environmentally Sound Technologies (EST) in the province of Shandong, in order to develop the related capacity of Shandong’s authorities. The project first focused on improving the awareness of local enterprises, and then on promoting environmentally sound technologies.

One of the project's beneficiaries is the Shandong Rizhao Yaowang Liquor Group Co. Ltd., which is located in Rizhao. Each year, the company produces 10,000 tons of alcohol, 300 tons of grain liquor and 50,000 tons of liquor. Due to its specific fermentation technology, a large amount of waste is produced and subsequently needs to be treated, unfortunately at a very high cost.

In 2003, the company contacted the UNIDO-sponsored project to address its environmental challenges. As a first step, the project helped Mr. Wang Chenghai, the company's general manager, interact with several potential partners from abroad. Thereafter, the company assessed the best available technological options in wastewater treatment and resource utilization before deciding to pursue a biogas recycling project. The project separates solids from distillation waste fluid to produce solid bio-fertilizer; the separated waste fluid is then treated by an anaerobic fermentation process to produce biogas, which is further recycled for power generation/boiler combustion supporting.

In 2004, the project was operational. With a capacity of 560KW, it fully meets the plant's requirements while allowing for 8 to 10 tons of coal per day to be saved. At present, the project brings overall revenues in excess of RMB 3.5million while achieving obvious economic, social and environmental benefits.

Today, the Shandong Rizhao Yaowang Liquor Group Co. Ltd. not only makes excellent products, but it manufactures them in the most environmentally-sound manner. UNIDO and its partners continue to foster the implementation of such technologies, most recently through its Green Industry initiative, in the hope that these efforts will continue to foster "better city, better life."

For more information, please contact the UNIDO China Office.  

or UNIDO Asia Programme

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