R-S OSA is creating a demo plant for its oil shale valorising project

We are advising R-S OSA Service (RSO) in developing and constructing the demo plant to pilot the technology of converting oil shale ash waste into valuable resources. The demo plant is currently in the detailed planning process, and at the same time, RSO is in the process of signing commercial agreements with key suppliers for the design, supply and delivery of the demo plant and its equipment. After completion of the demo plant, the client will continue developing and constructing the main industrial plant. According to current plans, the goal is to open a demo factory in 2024 and a main factory in 2028.

Largest circular economy project in Northern Europe

Nearly 600 million tons of oil shale ash have been deposited in Ida-Viru county, Estonia. RSO and Ragn-Sells have developed a solution to turn these ashes into ultra-pure calcium carbonate while simultaneously capturing large amounts of carbon dioxide into the material. The materials produced from oil shale ash are needed in many industries. These were previously produced from extracted natural resources, thereby spending a lot of energy and releasing large amounts of CO2 into the air. These materials can now be obtained from existing waste, which will significantly reduce the extraction and production impact and ensure a CO2-neutral production process. This step will also help reduce Estonia’s carbon footprint and improve the living environment throughout the country.

The product has already attracted strong interest from major global companies, including Gealan (Germany), one of the leading manufacturers of PVC plastic profiles for windows and Tarkett (France), one of the world’s top five flooring manufacturers. The companies are keen to use raw materials with the lowest possible carbon footprint in their production. Given the strict climate targets set by the European Union and Estonia, the preference for such materials is rapidly growing.

Ragn-Sells is a Swedish company operating in a total of four countries. Established in 1881, the company specialises in developing and providing solutions that support recycling and the circular economy. Ragn-Sells Estonia employs 275 people, and the company’s turnover is EUR 27 million.

Our services and client team

We are advising the client on all relevant legal matters, including the preparation of procurement documents and contracts and intellectual property matters. The client team is led by partner Kaupo Lepasepp and counsel Kaspar Endrikson.