Avantium and AkzoNobel Sign Contract for Pilot Biorefinery in Delfzijl
- The pilot plant will validate the Zambezi process to convert biomass into raw materials.
- The plant is expected to be operational in Q2 2018, creating about 20 jobs.
- The Zambezi process produces high-purity glucose, lignin, and mixed sugar syrup from second-generation biomass.
- The reference plant will use forestry residue sourced from the Netherlands.
Project Overview
Avantium is establishing a pilot biorefinery at Chemie Park Delfzijl, Netherlands, in collaboration with AkzoNobel. The facility will test the technical and economic feasibility of Avantium’s Zambezi process, which converts woodchips and other second-generation biomass into raw materials for the chemical industry.
Timeline and Employment
The pilot plant is expected to be operational in the second quarter of 2018 and will employ approximately 20 people. This step is crucial for scaling up the technology from lab to commercial operations.
Technology and Raw Materials
The Zambezi process aims to produce high-purity glucose, lignin, and mixed sugar syrup from non-food biomass. Glucose is used in manufacturing vitamins, enzymes, and other biobased chemicals. Lignin serves as a feedstock for renewable energy, while the mixed sugar syrup is suitable for ethanol and biofuel production.
Partnerships and Support
The project is supported by the Groningen province and involves partners such as Chemport Europe, RWE, and Staatsbosbeheer. The reference plant will primarily use forestry residue sourced from the Netherlands.