Cutting Steam, Cutting Carbon

In the shadow of China’s rising cities and glistening tech corridors lies a vital machine, powering the nation’s food economy: the solvent extraction plant.

This industrial giant is responsible for a quiet but massive transformation each day, converting soybeans into oil for cooking and meal for animal feed. It is an essential part of how China feeds its population and a significant contributor to its energy use and emissions.

But something extraordinary is happening behind the scenes. At JJ-Lurgi Engineering China, a team of engineers has been quietly leading an energy revolution in the sector. With the cost of energy climbing—particularly steam, which fuels the extraction process—manufacturers have been pushed to find smarter, greener ways to operate. Rather than seeing this as a hurdle, JJ-Lurgi sees opportunity.

Through a combination of bold innovation, deep process knowledge and collaborative customer partnerships, JJ-Lurgi has achieved what many thought unlikely: a massive 30% reduction in steam usage across large-scale solvent extraction plants.

To others, that may sound like a footnote in an energy report. However, in real-world terms, it’s monumental. That 30% savings equate to a daily reduction of approximately 120 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Every day, these optimised plants emit the equivalent of half a million fewer kilometres of car travel, enough to circle the globe 12 times.

This isn’t just a win for our clients but also a win for the planet. As governments around the world introduce stronger environmental policies, the demand for sustainable industrial solutions will continue to grow.

JJ-Lurgi is proud to be part of that future – both helping clients operate more efficiently while building a cleaner, more sustainable world for all.