Energy diversity and competitiveness in the clean and renewable energy sector
Vallourec supplied tubes for the biomethane distribution structure of the Sustainable Cities Project, a pioneering action in Brazil for the supply of gas produced from the processing of sugarcane residues.
Committed to delivering high-performance products with low environmental impact, Vallourec’s solutions will integrate a pioneering initiative, which promises to place cities in the Northwest of São Paulo at the national energy forefront. After winning a public bidding process issued by GasBrasiliano, Vallourec supplied 52 km of seamless steel pipes (OD 4”) 3LPE coated for the construction of the biomethane distribution structure for the Sustainable Cities Project.
“In addition to deliver innovative solutions, our goal is to offer products which have the lowest possible environmental impact. That is why, we prioritize the rational use of water and energy in our manufacturing processes. We are proud to have partners who pursue the same goals: sustainable strategies that increase competitiveness and positively impact the market”, says Mário Bellafronte, PLP Sales – Vallourec South America.
The project
Through Sustainable Cities, GasBrasiliano and Usina Cocal will offer an alternative source of renewable and sustainable energy to residents of cities in the western region of São Paulo – Narandiba, Pirapozinho, and Presidente Prudente. The project foresees a daily production of up to 25 thousand m³ of biomethane by Cocal, from vinasse, straw and filter cake, residues from sugarcane processing. The construction works of the first independent gas pipeline, which will demand R$ 180 million in investments in total, are already underway. Biomethane is expected to start being distributed to consumers as of July 2022.
The idea is to encourage production and facilitate access to bioenergy, helping to increase the competitiveness of the industrial and service sector – upon a successful outcome of the experience in the Northwest of São Paulo, the model could be replicated in other regions. As it is fuel from a renewable source with low environmental impact, biomethane presents itself to the market as a sustainable alternative, in addition to being more economically viable. It can be used both in the production of electricity and as a fuel for vehicles, benefiting industries, residents and drivers who travel along the state and federal roads that cut the stretch.
Commitment to ESG
Building sustainable relationships with its different stakeholders, based on the rational use of natural resources and protection of the environment, reflects Vallourec’s commitment to adopting the best environmental, social, and governance practices. Therefore, the company supports, follows, and endorses global principles, agreements, and goals aimed at sustainability, environmental preservation, protection of human rights expressed in the United Nations Global Compact and in the Charcoal Sustainability Protocol, led by the Aço Brasil Institute alongside other actors in the segment.
Vallourec also guides its actions in accordance with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the UN in the 2030 Agenda, through which it hopes to contribute to the reduction of inequalities and the preservation of the environment.
Regarding environmental management, Vallourec companies in Brazil are committed to the rational use of natural resources in all their processes. For this, they strictly follow, control, and monitor indicators related to the management of atmospheric emissions, water resources, effluents, waste, by-products, and biodiversity.
They also invest in actions aimed at energy efficiency and environmental education activities for the employees and communities close to the operating units. We constantly strive for the continuous improvement of our processes.
