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Examples of Industrial Symbiosis Initiatives Around the World

Industrial symbiosis refers to the collaborative and mutually beneficial relationships between different industries, where waste or by-products from one industry are utilized as inputs by another industry, thereby creating a closed-loop system that promotes resource efficiency and sustainability. Here are some notable examples of industrial symbiosis initiatives from around the world:

Kalundborg Eco-Industrial Park, Denmark

The Kalundborg Eco-Industrial Park in Denmark is one of the most well-known examples of industrial symbiosis. Established in the 1960s, this park brings together several industries, including a power plant, an oil refinery, a pharmaceutical company, and a gypsum board manufacturer. The power plant supplies steam and electricity to the other industries, while the oil refinery provides excess heat and gas to the power plant. The gypsum board manufacturer, in turn, utilizes waste heat from the power plant. This interconnected network of industries has resulted in significant resource and energy savings.

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Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands

The Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands is another prominent example of industrial symbiosis. This industrial complex houses various industries, including refineries, chemical plants, and waste management facilities. Through the exchange of waste streams, energy, and materials, these industries have created a circular economy within the port. For instance, residual heat from the refineries is used to heat nearby greenhouses, while carbon dioxide emissions are captured and utilized by nearby greenhouses for enhanced plant growth.

Kwinana Industrial Area, Australia

The Kwinana Industrial Area in Western Australia is an emerging example of industrial symbiosis. This area hosts a range of industries, such as oil refineries, chemical plants, and waste treatment facilities. One notable initiative is the collaboration between a waste treatment plant and a cement manufacturer. The waste treatment plant supplies alternative fuels derived from waste materials to the cement manufacturer, reducing the need for fossil fuels and diverting waste from landfill.

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Korea Industrial Complexes, South Korea

South Korea has implemented several industrial symbiosis initiatives in its industrial complexes. For example, the Ulsan Petrochemical Industrial Complex has established a network where excess steam and hydrogen from one company are utilized by neighboring companies. This collaboration has led to energy savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Similar initiatives can be found in other industrial complexes across the country, promoting resource efficiency and environmental sustainability.

These examples demonstrate the potential of industrial symbiosis to foster sustainable development by promoting resource efficiency, reducing waste generation, and minimizing environmental impacts. By creating synergistic relationships between industries, industrial symbiosis initiatives contribute to a more circular and sustainable economy.

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