- Investment for the new plant is between EUR 120 and EUR 130 million.
- Groundbreaking is planned for early 2024, with commissioning by summer 2025.
- The plant will produce 50,000 tonnes of renewable ethyl acetate annually.
- Johnson Matthey and De Smet Engineers & Contractors are involved in the project.
Investment and Timeline
CropEnergies AG will invest between EUR 120 and EUR 130 million to build a renewable ethyl acetate plant at the Zeitz Chemical and Industrial Park in Germany. The groundbreaking is scheduled for early 2024, with commissioning expected by summer 2025.
Production Capacity and Technology
The plant will produce 50,000 tonnes of renewable ethyl acetate annually from sustainable ethanol, using renewable energy. The production technology, provided by Johnson Matthey, aims to minimize carbon dioxide emissions and ensure high product quality. De Smet Engineers & Contractors will handle the engineering and construction.
Market and Environmental Impact
This project is part of CropEnergies' strategy to diversify into new markets beyond the mobility sector. The renewable ethyl acetate will serve various industries, including packaging, coatings, paints, adhesives, food, beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It offers a sustainable alternative to fossil-based products, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing local supply security in Europe.
Economic and Regional Benefits
The new plant will create approximately 50 jobs for highly skilled employees in the Burgenlandkreis region. Additionally, it will generate renewable hydrogen as a co-product, which, along with biogenic CO2 from the fermentation process, can be used for further renewable energy conversion into PtX (power-to-X) downstream routes, such as eFuels.
