Clariant, sunliquid
Clariant’s sunliquid® technology produces cellulosic ethanol, an advanced and sustainable biofuel, which is almost carbon dioxide neutral. It is produced from agricultural residues or energy crops, e.g. wheat straw, corn stover or miscanthus. The feedstock is converted into cellulosic sugars, which are then fermented with the help of specially designed yeast strains to produce cellulosic ethanol. Innovative features like chemical free pre-treatment, the integrated production of feedstock- and process-specific enzymes as well as simultaneous C5 and C6 sugar fermentation ensure a commercially viable process. After seven years of successfully operating its pre-commercial plant in Straubing, Germany, Clariant completed construction of its greenfield, first-of-its-kind, full-scale, commercial cellulosic ethanol plant in Podari, in the southwestern region of Romania, in October 2021. Since June 14th 2022 the new plant is a flagship site with an annual production capacity of 50,000 tons, which will be supplied to Shell completely.