March 11, 2026: Carbon additives specialist Birla Carbon has secured a €2 million ($2.3million) grant to boost energy autonomy at its plant in Spain.

Birla said on March 5 the grant, from the Society for Regional Development of Cantabria (SODERCAN), forms part of a broader investment project by the firm aimed at strengthening energy self-sufficiency at the facility. 

The grant from SODERCAN,  an arm of the regional government of Cantabria, will support the installation of a 4 MW back-pressure steam turbine to generate electricity and steam for internal operations.

Birla said the project is expected to reduce CO2 emissions annually when it has been completed, although detailed estimates were not disclosed.

In addition, the project will reduce reliance on water from the Miera river for cooling purposes and decrease process water discharge. The investment will also help safeguard nearly 200 direct and indirect jobs associated with the facility.

Dale Clark, chief manufacturing officer for the Americas and EMEA regions, said the move reflected the strategic importance of Birla’s operations to the region and industries served with its carbon black products.

“The steam turbine will be key in helping the plant achieve energy autonomy, reducing our carbon footprint, and strengthening long-term operational resilience. We also remain continuously focused on improving energy efficiency, reducing water consumption, and advancing sustainable manufacturing practices across our global operations.”

Birla has said previously that, in terms of the battery sector, it has developed a range of performance conductive additives that are designed to improve the energy density, power density, and charging speed of lithium and lead acid batteries.

Batteries International reported in 2024 that Birla had secured ISCC PLUS sustainability certifications for its plants in Spain, North Bend in the US, and Hamilton in Canada.