B

Biogas

Produced through the breakdown of organic matter in biogas plants. The main constituents are methane and carbon dioxide. The methane, which is also the main component of natural gas, contained in biogas can be used as a source of energy.

C

CO₂ (carbon dioxide) equivalent

Unit of measurement used to express the effect different greenhouse gases have on the climate compared with a carbon dioxide (CO₂) baseline.

D

E

Enhanced gas & oil recovery (EGR/EOR)

Also known as tertiary recovery of natural gas and crude oil, this procedure involves the use of steam, chemicals or gas such as nitrogen to extract the maximum amount of remaining reserves from a natural gas field or oil well.

F

Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

A process used to produce synthetic fuels. The raw material used for the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) is synthesis gas, a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The synthesis gas can be produced from coal or natural gas (and also from oil fractions such as heavy oil). It is completely sulphur-free, although purification is sometimes required to achieve this. Consequently, the fuels produced by FTS are also completely free from impurities.

G

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)

International initiative bringing together numerous stakeholders. Founded in 1997 with the aim of generating recognised, comparable guidelines for corporate reporting on economic, social and environmental activities.

H

HyCO plants

Collective term for plants producing hydrogen, carbon monoxide and synthesis gas. These HyCO plants primarily comprise steam reformers, partial oxidation plants and methanol crackers.

I

Ion dose

Physical indicator used to measure the electric charge created as a result of ionising radiation.

K

Key performance indicators (KPI)

Business metrics that allow measurement and/or evaluation of progress and performance levels in relation to important targets or critical success factors within an organisation.

L

Liquefied natural gas (LNG)

LNG is regarded as a promising fuel of the future because of its high energy density, constant heat rating and high purity.

O

Oxy-fuel combustion

Suited to gaseous, liquid and solid fuels, this combustion process achieves extremely high flame temperatures. The fuel is combusted in an atmosphere consisting of pure oxygen. This process is ideal for power plants designed to capture and sequester the CO2 released during combustion.

R

REACH

REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals, and is an EU directive to reform European chemicals legislation. It came into force on 1 June 2007. It stipulates that within the EU, the health and environmental impact of chemical substances must be tested and registered as of an annual production or import volume of one tonne.

S

SHEQ

Abbreviation for Safety, Health, Environment and Quality.

U

UN Global Compact

The United Nations (UN) Global Compact is a global alliance of organisations and private businesses that aims to protect human rights, support compliance with labour standards, encourage environmental responsibility and combat corruption.

V

VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Refers to a variety of organic compounds, many of which are used as solvents or thinners in paints and varnishes. They act as precursors of ground level ozone, also known as “summer smog”.