Today 16th October, Janssen Pharmaceutica, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, has taken a remarkable step towards sustainability by launching a geothermal power plant on its Beerse Campus. This initiative represents a significant collaboration with the European Union that holds paramount importance in the pursuit of environmental objectives.
- 16 October 2023
The geothermal energy process at the heart of this project is relatively simple. Janssen's power plant extracts warm water from a deep groundwater layer, approximately 2.4 kilometers beneath the Earth's surface, where temperatures reach around 85 degrees Celsius. This heat is then utilized to power the Campus's buildings and production processes through a heating network. The cooled water is returned to the underground reservoir, where it naturally rewarms, creating a sustainable and renewable energy cycle.
This endeavor, though technologically advanced, is not just about harnessing Earth's natural heat; it's about reducing CO2 emissions in Belgium by a substantial 30%, contributing significantly to environmental conservation.
The European Union has set ambitious targets, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Furthermore, the European Green Deal, focused on emission reduction, job creation, and innovation, positions the EU as a leader in climate-friendly industries, clean technologies, and green financing, contributing to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions while bolstering economic growth and fostering innovation in European businesses. The Janssen geothermal plant, co-funded by the EU, is a tangible example of how such goals can be effectively pursued.
This project exemplifies the principle of shared management – where the private sector, regional governments, and the EU unite to drive an initiative. The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) provided financial support to this project, symbolizing the EU's steadfast commitment to its regions.