The Netherlands: Biomass Plant Development of a Wood to Chemicals Reference Plant

Avantium announces a partnership with Akzo Nobel, Chemport Europe, RWE and Staatsbosbeheer for the development of a reference plant at the Chemie Park Delfzijl.

Related Vendors

ILUDEST Destillationsanlagen GmbH

Glatt Ingenieurtechnik GmbH

TRM Filter d.o.o.

Avantium Technolgies B.V.

Amsterdam/ The Netherlands — This important step marks the next stage of a collaborative effort to determine the feasibility of a wood to chemicals biorefinery in Delfzijl.

The new reference plant in Delfzijl will be based on a new technology that has been developed by Avantium. This Zambezi process aims for a cost-effective process for the production of high-purity glucose from non-food biomass such as forestry residue, pulp or agricultural by-products, so called second generation feedstock. This technology converts woody biomass into sugars and lignin. According to the manufacturer, it is particularly suited for making high purity glucose required for the production of a wide range of biobased chemicals and materials for the chemical industry of tomorrow. This glucose is also suitable for both catalytic and fermentation processes for the production of a new generation of materials (such as PLA, PEF, PBAT, PHA).

The main feedstock of the plant will be locally sourced forestry residue coordinated by Staatsbosbeheer. The planned reference plant builds on the synergies of the infrastructure, utilities and expertise of the Akzo Nobel site in Delfzijl. RWE will supply feedstock and use bio-lignin residue from the Zambezi process for the renewable energy. Chemport Europe brings strategic support from the Northern Netherlands Region working via a range of initiatives to facilitate the project. Further synergistic partnerships and collaborations are currently under development.

The partnership expects, together with the geographical, technical and logistical benefits of the Delfzijl area, to enable the cost competitive production that will help accelerate the roll out of the biobased economy. The reference plant will be constructed with an expansion-ready footprint enabling increase of capacity after demonstration.

(ID:44528292)