Denmark: EIB boosts Danish R&D investment in catalytic technologies

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is supporting the research and development (R&D) activities of Danish catalysis company Haldor Topsøe with a DKK 560 million (EUR 75 million) loan.

R&D investments backed by the EIB loan will focus on the development of catalysts and new catalytic technologies for different industry sectors, such as refineries and chemicals, with the aim of increasing the energy efficiency of industrial manufacturing processes. In addition, environmental applications targeting the reduction of pollutant emissions from automotive and various industrial activities (refineries, power plants, etc.) will also be developed within the framework of this R&D project.

The research and development activities will be carried out over the period 2013-2016 at the company’s central R&D facilities in Lyngby, 15 km north of Copenhagen. The project will accelerate the accumulation and diffusion of knowledge within European industry, through Haldor Topsøe’s cooperation with clients, universities, research institutes and scientific facilities in collaborative projects, thus helping to underpin the market leadership and competitiveness of industrial technology in Europe.

EIB Vice-President Jonathan Taylor said: “We are happy to have signed this agreement with Haldor Topsøe, which will result in the industrial launch of new and improved catalysts bringing benefits to the environment and society. With the EIB financing that is now in place, the company will be able to enhance its knowledge and expertise in the field of energy efficient catalysis technologies. This is for us of particular importance, as one of the EIB’s goals is to increase the potential of the European knowledge economy.”

“In the coming years Haldor Topsøe will intensify its R&D effort as part of our “30 in 25” growth strategy that outlines how we plan to achieve additional growth – DKK 30 billion  in revenue in 2025 – based on our current strengths and R&D potential. The EIB loan will support this effort and we are very pleased to have signed this agreement,” said Peter Rønnest Andersen, Chief Financial Officer of Haldor Topsøe.

As the EIB strongly promotes projects supporting job creation, the R&D investments will accordingly help to safeguard and create skilled employment opportunities in Europe. Up to 85 additional R&D jobs are planned to be created by this project, which represents a 30% increase in the company’s R&D workforce.