ePURE Member Spotlight: Clariant cellulosic ethanol plant in Romania begins production

In this ePURE Member Spotlight column, Clariant reports on the start of production at its new advanced biofuel plant in Romania.

Clariant, a focused, sustainable, and innovative specialty chemical company, announced that it has produced the first commercial cellulosic ethanol at its sunliquid® production plant in Podari, Romania

The entire offtake is contracted with a multi-year agreement to Shell, a leading global energy company. Over the last six months, the plant underwent a thorough commissioning process resulting in the successful start of production. Approximately 50,000 tons of second generation biofuels will be derived from 250,000 tons of locally sourced agricultural residues. The cellulosic ethanol produced at this plant can be applied as a drop-in solution for fuel blending but also offers further downstream application opportunities for sustainable aviation fuel and bio-based chemicals.

“Protecting the climate is a central part of our purpose ‘Greater chemistry – between people and planet’,” said Conrad Keijzer, Chief Executive Officer at Clariant. “Biofuels and biochemicals made from agricultural waste play a crucial role, since they reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To establish their use more widely, their commercial production and availability must be increased rapidly, which is why the successful start of our sunliquid® plant in Podari is so vital.”

Europe’s renewable ethanol industry continues to innovate in ways that increase sustainability and help reduce emissions from transport – making it a vital part of the drive for carbon-neutrality.