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Coatings for major green energy project in China
The Dutch coatings manufacturer Akzo Nobel is supplying protective coatings for wind power and chemical processing facilities at the Songyuan Hydrogen Energy Industrial Park in China, described as the world’s largest integrated green hydrogen-ammonia-methanol project.
Constructed by China Energy Engineering Group Co., Ltd., the industrial park is currently in its second phase of development. It operates entirely on renewable electricity and is focused on producing 45,000 tons of green hydrogen, along with 200,000 tons of green ammonia and methanol annually. Construction first began in 2023, with the site covering the entire industrial chain from renewable electricity generation through to green hydrogen, ammonia and methanol production.
The project addresses a central challenge in the renewable energy sector: balancing the intermittency of renewable power with the stability required for continuous chemical production.
Coatings for harsh operating conditions
Wind turbines and chemical facilities at the site face severe corrosion risks and extreme temperature fluctuations. To address these conditions, AkzoNobel’s International brand is supplying a range of coatings tailored to different parts of the installation.
The steel structures are protected by a system comprising Interzinc 52E, Interthane 990E and Intergard 475HS, which according to the manufacturer offers reduced VOC emissions compared with conventional equivalents while providing corrosion protection.
For critical piping and ammonia tanks, Interbond 2340UPC was selected for its application properties and qualification against current standards for protection against corrosion under insulation (CUI). Hydrogen storage spheres were coated with Interseal 670HS, paired with a topcoat listed on the Chinese GB register of solar reflective coatings.
Strategic significance for the paint supplier
“It’s a great honour for AkzoNobel to participate in this flagship national initiative with global significance,” explains Rob Leslie, Business Director of the company’s Marine and Protective Coatings business in Greater China. “This validates our technical capabilities in corrosion protection for renewable energy applications and demonstrates our commitment to supporting the green energy sector.”
Leslie added that the company intends to continue developing protective solutions for the Chinese market in support of the energy sector’s carbon neutrality targets.
Emissions reduction targets
AkzoNobel has reduced its own Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 47% compared with the 2018 baseline and is aiming for a 50% reduction across the value chain by 2030. The company reports that its use of renewable electricity reached 69% by the end of 2025.
More information: www.akzonobel.com