- The plant will have an annual production capacity of 50,000 tons.
- Construction is planned to start in 2018 with the first product batch expected in 2020.
- The plant will process 250,000 tons of wheat and cereal straw annually.
- The project receives funding from the EU's Horizon 2020 program.
Project Overview
Clariant has approved the construction of a full-scale commercial plant in southwestern Romania to produce cellulosic ethanol from agricultural residues using its sunliquid® technology. The plant will have an annual production capacity of 50,000 tons and aims to demonstrate the competitiveness and sustainability of the sunliquid® technology at a commercial scale.
Business Strategy
To focus on the commercialization of bio-ethanol, licenses, and enzymes, Clariant has established a new Business Line Biofuels & Derivatives within the Business Area Catalysis. Starting January 2018, all activities and costs related to the sunliquid® technology platform will be managed under this new business line.
Timeline and Economic Impact
Construction is planned to begin in 2018, with the first batch of product expected in 2020. The plant will process approximately 250,000 tons of wheat straw and other cereal straw annually, sourced from local farmers. The project is expected to bring substantial economic benefits to the region by maximizing greenhouse gas savings and creating additional business opportunities along the value chain.
Technological Advancements
Clariant's sunliquid® technology integrates the production of feedstock-specific enzymes and simultaneous fermentation of C5 and C6 sugars, ensuring high commercial performance. The process aims to make the plant independent from fossil energy sources, resulting in an almost carbon-neutral advanced biofuel.
Funding and Support
The project receives funding from the European Union's Seventh Framework Program for research, technological development, and demonstration under Grant Agreement no. 322386, and from the Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking under the EU's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 709606.
