VolkerWessels develops sustainable technology that solves nitrogen problem during realization phase

VolkerWessels has developed a technology that can reduce up to 99% of nitrogen emissions from large, mostly stationary equipment during the construction phase of projects. The prototype of this solution has already been tested at several sites. The operation and performance of this technology have been validated by an accredited air measurement service in accordance with NEN and ISO standards. VolkerWessels also expects to have similar filter technology for mobile equipment available soon.

Eric Pot, technology development initiator and VolkerWessels managing director: "The NoNOx filter consists of a number of proven technological components. The clever concatenation of these technologies allows the filter to do its job, reducing up to 99% of nitrogen emissions during the construction phase. The filter converts the NOx present in the exhaust gases into non-harmful substances. The NoNOx filter is designed in such a way that it is easily applicable in practice; "plug and play". The NoNOx filter is connected directly to the equipment with a flexible connection."

Alfred Vos, COO of VolkerWessels: "The NoNOx filter is unique and highly sustainable because it is applicable to all existing, including older, equipment in the Dutch market. As a result, the existing equipment does not have to be sold to markets outside the Netherlands or destroyed, which of course does not contribute to a truly sustainable solution. This technology ensures that projects, hampered by emissions issues, may be able to go ahead again. With this, VolkerWessels assumes the responsibility that lies within its direct sphere of influence and awaits with interest how the government will address the nitrogen issue during the user phase."

Watch the vlog about the NoNOx below:

NoNOx filter

The NoNOx filter unit can be connected to the exhaust of existing diesel equipment. Because of the arrangement in a generator frame, the unit is particularly suitable for stationary and limited moving equipment such as generators, drilling rigs, piling rigs and construction cranes. For frequently moving equipment such as excavators, asphalt spreaders, shovels, dumpers, etc., this unit arrangement is less suitable. VolkerWessels is now also well advanced in the development of a smaller NoNOx unit that is suitable for moving equipment.

Program Approach Nitrogen

The Program Approach to Nitrogen was introduced in 2015. Based on the PAS, permits were granted for construction projects that caused nitrogen deposition in Natura 2000 areas. The European Court of Justice concluded that the PAS did not act according to European directives to protect nature, the Council of State concurred at the end of May 2019. As a result, thousands of projects in the Netherlands came to a sudden halt. Some of these projects can be restarted by greatly reducing nitrogen emissions during the construction phase. To achieve this reduction, even the nitrogen must be removed from clean new diesel engines. So merely investing in new equipment is not a solution to the emerging problem. VolkerWessels has started working on a solution for the construction phase. We call this partial solution: the NoNOx filter.