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Facts & figures

Feedstock

  • Extension of current biofuel production to new, currently underutilized agricultural residues
  • Annual conversion of 250,000 tons of straw into cellulosic ethanol

Production capacity

  • 50,000 tons of cellulosic ethanol annually

Green jobs & economic growth

  • Creation of green jobs in predominantly rural areas
  • Inside the plant: around 100 full-time employees
  • Outside the plant (field/logistics): around 300 persons
  • Jobs associated with the construction of the plant: over 800
  • Boost of local economies and creation of additional business opportunities
  • Additional income for farmers and local businesses

Milestones

  • 2006: Development of highly specialised microorganisms and enzymes
  • 2009: Opening of a pilot plant in Munich, Germany, in which the sunliquid® technology is developed and optimized
  • 2012: Opening of a demonstration plant in Straubing, Germany, for pre-commercial production
  • Fall 2018: Groundbreaking for a commercial-scale production plant for cellulosic ethanol sunliquid® in the southwestern part of Romania
  • October 2021: Clariant completes construction of first commercial sunliquid® cellulosic ethanol plant in Podari, Romania

Related Topics

  • Dear farmers
    Farmers growing cereals have the opportunity to turn the straw left on the field, as a residue of agricultural activities, into a profitable resource, in the long run, by concluding a partnership with Clariant.
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  • The sunliquid® technology
    Clariant’s sunliquid® is a highly innovative and sustainable technology to produce cellulosic sugars and cellulosic ethanol from agricultural residues.
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  • Economic impact of the sunliquid® plant
    The sunliquid® technology opens up new opportunities on an expanding global market for second-generation biofuels.
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  • Environmental impact
    Cellulosic ethanol, an advanced biofuel, presents a low-emission, carbon-neutral solution.
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