ENGIE España and Kao Corporation SAU have agreed to a 15-year plan to design, finance, build, commission, operate and maintain a new biomass-powered thermal plant. The facility will convert certified forest waste into renewable energy at Kao’s factory in Olesa de Montserrat, Barcelona, supporting sustainable forest management and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The project aims for about a 95% reduction in natural gas use, cutting direct emissions and shrinking the site’s overall carbon footprint.
The biomass facility will serve both self-consumption and general thermal power needs, with forest-derived residues as the primary energy source. It will be 100% renewable and CO2-neutral, replacing several conventional natural gas boilers and transforming the plant’s energy profile.
Kao is pursuing a portfolio of greenhouse gas mitigation initiatives, and the new thermal plant represents a significant milestone in advancing this roadmap.
Beyond immediate benefits, the biomass project is expected to positively influence the local environment by promoting sustainable forest management, reducing fire risk, and improving forest health. It will support regional social and economic development and reduce reliance on foreign energy by leveraging domestic resources for power generation.
ENGIE will oversee the design, construction, operation, maintenance and financing under a long-term agreement, delivering renewable energy to Kao Corporation SAU. The project will meet about 95% of Kao’s steam demand through the deployment of a biomass boiler.
About Kao
Kao is a Tokyo-based leader in cosmetics, personal hygiene, household products and chemicals. The company reports annual sales around 1.550 trillion yen and employs about 35,400 people worldwide, with a 136-year history of innovation. Kao’s mission centers on creating a better life for people while caring for the planet. Sustainability guides Kao’s actions, with ESG-driven targets defined for 2030 covering decarbonization, energy efficiency, waste reduction, water stewardship and resource management.
About Kao Corporation SAU
Kao began expanding outside Asia in the late 1990s and chose Barcelona as its first European base, establishing Kao Corporation SAU with headquarters in Barberà and production facilities in Mollet del Vallès and Olesa de Montserrat. Kao SAU operates across surfactants, fragrances and flavors, and printing materials.
Kao is investing to sustain growth, explore opportunities and pursue success. The company places strong emphasis on environmental and societal impact through principled governance, ongoing innovation and integrity as a central pillar of its corporate philosophy. Currently, Kao Corporation SAU employs about 450 people.
About ENGIE
ENGIE is a global reference in low-carbon energy and services. With about 96,000 employees, the group pursues a carbon-neutral world through reduced energy consumption and environmentally friendly solutions. The company balances economic performance with positive social and environmental impact, focusing on gas, renewable energy and services to deliver competitive customer solutions. Revenue in 2022 was approximately €93.9 billion. ENGIE is listed on the Paris and Brussels stock exchanges and is included in major financial and ESG indices.
About ENGIE Spain
ENGIE maintains a strong footprint across the Spanish energy value chain, with around 1,800 employees in the country and substantial installed capacity. The portfolio includes roughly 3,600 MW of generation, with 1,600 MW from renewables such as wind, solar and micro-hydro, plus cogeneration, distribution networks and low-carbon, flexible generation. ENGIE also structures and manages long-term renewable energy contracts and designs, implements and operates industrial energy solutions to help customers reduce energy use and CO2 emissions.
The company’s strategy centers on helping clients become carbon neutral by expanding own-energy production through renewables and offering solutions that lower energy costs and emissions. This project aligns with ENGIE Spain’s commitment to sustainable regional development and the energy transition, showing how renewable resources can power industry while supporting local communities.
Notes: This summary reflects information disclosed by ENGIE and Kao about the biomass project and related corporate initiatives. Citation: Corporate communications from ENGIE and Kao Corporation SAU.