The first of twelve engines at the Port Est power station was converted to liquid biomass on June 19, and the conversion of other units is in progress. EDF Production Electrique Insulaire announces the end of the operation by the end of October. The most powerful thermal power plant in Reunion, which can cover 40% of the island’s needs, will then have completely banned the heavy fuel oil which has fueled it since its commissioning in 2012. Its new fuel, obtained by esterification of rapeseed oil (or sunflower), is imported from Europe. It is REDII certified, which guarantees the sustainability of bioenergy. “By operating on liquid biomass, the Port Est power plant will avoid the emission of 500,000 tonnes of CO2 annually and will significantly improve air quality : elimination of sulfur emissions and reduction of dust emissions », underlines EDF-PEI.
