Specialty chemical manufacturer Clariant announces the completion of its Sunliquid cellulosic ethanol plant in Podari, Romania. The company says the completed construction is an important next step for the commercial deployment of Sunliquid technology and supports Clariant’s licensing business strategy. The facility will be operational in the fourth quarter, producing cellulosic ethanol from agricultural residues, according to the company.
Conrad Keijzer, chief executive officer at Clariant, says, “Biofuels and biochemicals produced from agricultural residues play a key role in reducing our carbon footprint.”
The investment also brings substantial economic benefits to the region, according to Clariant. By locally sourcing feedstock, greenhouse gas emission reduction can be maximized. Co-products produced by the process will be used for the generation of renewable energy, reportedly making the plant independent of fossil energy sources. This, says Clariant, means the resulting cellulosic ethanol is an almost carbon neutral second generation biofuel. Besides application as a drop-in solution for fuel blending, it offers further downstream application opportunities into bio-based chemicals and for sustainable aviation fuel.
The plant in Podari, Dolj county, is built on a 10-hectare area. Construction was initiated in 2019 with up to 800 workers onsite. Contracts with more than 300 local farmers have been signed to ensure the supply of the necessary feedstock, according to Clariant.
For more information, visit: www.clariant.com