Argent Energy produces sustainable biodiesel from residual flows such as waste fats and oils, intended for transport, heating, and shipping. In doing so, the company makes a significant contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions and the high-quality repurposing of by-products. Argent Energy has multiple production sites in the United Kingdom and a large factory in Amsterdam.
SEW Energy has been supporting Argent Energy for some time with various prefabrication and installation activities and is proud to contribute as a partner to both the sustainability of the industry and the reduction of CO₂ emissions.
The challenge
For their biodiesel location in Amsterdam, Argent Energy requested support in prefabricating, testing and installing piping and associated components for the buffer installations (BIP2023).
The work had to be carried out during a short factory shutdown, making planning, safety, and flexibility crucial. Furthermore, both the location and the nature of the work required working at height, lifting, scaffolding, rigging, and careful coordination with existing processes.
The approach
SEW Energy brought together multiple disciplines to complete the project efficiently and safely. The main activities included:
- Prefabrication and installation of piping and supports
Including testing and preparation of all components for on-site installation. - Lifting and assembly work
Horizontal and vertical, equipped with lifting equipment and under strict safety protocols. - Work on scaffolding and rigging
For safe working at height in the factory. - Tie-ins and process modifications
SEW Energy carried out multiple tie-ins through the tricanter flusher and also carried out an extensive modification to the CAP lines in the biodiesel plant.
During the implementation, SEW worked with a team of five specialists, who completed all work accurately and within the tight schedule during the factory shutdown. Despite last-minute changes, the team remained flexible, solution-oriented, and fully committed to safety and quality.
All work was carried out with full traceability — essential within Argent Energy’s high-quality process environment.
The result
SEW Energy delivered the project well within the available timeframe during the factory outage. By planning carefully, anticipating changes in a timely manner, and executing the work accurately, Argent Energy was able to resume production without delay.
The collaboration contributed to:
- improved installation reliability
- optimized CAP lines
- sustainable expansion of production capacity
- safe and efficient execution without incidents
The case illustrates how SEW Energy — with the right preparation and expertise — can successfully complete complex mechanical and E&I projects within tight timeframes.
The collaboration
Argent Energy Project Engineer:
Over the past three years, we've worked closely with SEW on critical projects involving major modifications to our facility. This included adding additional buffers, replacing vessels, and installing new piping for highly corrosive fluids. SEW also carried out our annual turnaround projects. Their approach is highly effective and professional, with strong expertise in detailed engineering, quality control, prefabrication, and a communicative team that ensures safe execution on site.”
— Satheesh Kumar Shanmugasundaram Project Engineer – Argent Energy
SEW Project Manager:
“At SEW Energy, we believe that true progress comes from purposeful collaborations. Working with a visionary company like Argent Energy—which converts waste streams into carbon-free biodiesel—enables us to apply our expertise in prefabrication and installation to a cause that matters.”
— Project Manager SEW