Global Bioenergies isobutene demo entering final stages

December 19, 2016 |

In France, Global Bioenergies is now entering the final phase of demonstrating its technology for converting renewable carbon into hydrocarbons. The first trials on the demo plant in Leuna were successfully completed, within schedule, in the fall of 2016 and Global Bioenergies today announces that a first production of green isobutene was observed.

The demo plant will be ramped up in the first half of 2017, with the goal of reaching performances close to commercial levels by the end of the year. The delivery of the first tons to Global Bioenergies’ numerous industrial partners will enable the validation of downstream processes for the conversion of this green isobutene in a range of industries, including cosmetics, rubber and fuels, the goal being to continue discussions on commercial exploitation in tens of thousands of tons of product.

While Global Bioenergies continues with the demonstration phase of the technology, it will now amplify its strategy aimed at diversifying the resources compatible with its isobutene fermentation process. The process currently uses first-generation sugar as feedstock, an approach facilitated by the existence of the well-established sugar beet, sugar cane and corn processing industries. It will now expand our focus to other second- and third-generation carbon feedstocks, which are associated with even higher reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Second generation feedstock consists of agricultural residues (wood, straw, miscanthus, etc.), while third generation feedstock is based on the use of gaseous carbon (CO2, syngas, etc.) directly.

Category: Fuels

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