Avantium to Build FDCA Plant in Delfzijl, Netherlands

Project Overview

Avantium Renewable Polymers will build a 5-kiloton FDCA (furandicarboxylic acid) plant at Chemical Cluster Delfzijl, Netherlands. The plant will produce plant-based FDCA, a crucial component for various chemicals and plastics, including PEF (polyethylene furanoate). The project is backed by a €150 million investment, with completion targeted for 2023.

Regional Support and Financing

The project is supported by a Regional Consortium, including the Province of Groningen, Groningen Seaports, NOM, FondsNieuweDoen, Investeringsfonds Groningen, and Groeifonds. The consortium has committed to a conditional financing of €30 million for the plant's engineering, construction, working capital, start-up costs, and operations. The financing mix will include grants, equity, and debt, with additional funding being sought.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The new plant is expected to create over 60 highly skilled jobs and provide significant indirect employment opportunities. It aims to help transition the chemical industry from fossil resources to sustainable feedstocks, aligning with the region's goal of achieving a fully sustainable chemical industry by 2050.

Strategic Location

The FDCA plant will be located near Avantium's demonstration plant for plant-based mono-ethylene glycol (MEG) and its pilot biorefinery, which produces glucose and lignin from non-food biomass. Groningen Seaports offers the necessary infrastructure and is a key player in the Chemport Europe ecosystem, which focuses on sustainable chemistry.

Future Prospects

Avantium is progressing discussions with potential strategic partners and aims to secure the remaining funding by the end of 2020. The project also benefits from a €25 million "PEFerence" Horizon 2020 grant awarded by the Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU) to support the establishment of a value chain for plant-based FDCA and PEF.