Agricultural waste turned into energy

Agricultural waste turned into energy

Italian firm plans to build world's largest cellulosic ethanol plant in China

Commercial manufacture of cellulosic bioethanol from agricultural residue is expected to be given further impetus after commercial production begins in China next year, experts say.

Chemicals firm Chemtex Engineering Co said work on a new plant, that uses second-generation production technologies, will start soon in a southern China location. The company, a part of Mossi Ghisolfi Group of Italy, is a pioneer in the second-generation technologies and has a cellulosic bioethanol plant in Italy.

""We plan to invest $500 million (370 euros) in China for the conversion of one million metric tons of biomass into bio-ethanol and bio-glycols," says Sean Ma, president and chief executive of Chemtex China.

Bioethanol is considered an important green, renewable energy globally, and can be added to petrol as an additive. Bioethanol, petrol blends are commonly used in countries such as the United States and Brazil, and are important in reducing carbon emissions, boosting fuel quality.

 Cellulosic biofuels are normally made from biomass such as wood waste, sugarcane and bagasse, a by-product of sugarcane or sorghum production, and are regarded as sustainable alternatives to corn-based ethanol and petroleum-based diesel.

Beta Renewables, a joint venture between Mossi Ghisolfi Group of Italy and biochemical company Novozymes of Denmark, which set up the first cellulosic bioethanol plant in Italy last year, has already indicated that it expects output to rise significantly in the long run.

 "We will continue to commercially expand Beta Renewables' core technologies throughout the world, especially in China, as we are confident of the robust global demand," says Guido Ghisolfi, chairman and chief executive.

More at http://europe.chinadaily.com.cn/epaper/2013-11/15/content_17107610.htm