The big build-up

25th March, 2008

Ambitious biofuel construction programmes are underway worldwide. Though some plans have been put on hold due to volatile feedstock and energy prices, there is still a degree of optimism among international construction companies

Biofuel construction programmes are continuing to build up steam despite volatile energy prices and political debate about the environmental impact of biofuel production versus food.

The European Biodiesel Board (EBB) estimates that 185 biodiesel plants were fully operational in 2007 and another 58 are under construction, to meet and exceed the 2010 EU biofuel target of 10% by volume in most EU states. However some European plant programmes have been abandoned in the face of a flood of cheap, heavily subsidised biofuel imports from the US.

The vast majority of plants in the US produce bioethanol. According to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) 73 biorefineries were under construction in the US in 2006 and eight are expanding, forecast to add 6 billion gallons of production capacity by 2009. For biodiesel, the US National Renewable Energy Lab forecasts that soyabean and canola-based fuel will only be able to meet 10% of the total market for US energy needs, so plants handling a variety of new feedstocks, including algae, are on the drawing board.

With such a large demand, there are a vast amount of process construction firms offering to build biofuel plants. Many come from experience of the chemicals and petrochemicals sector, while others focus on expertise in the food and beverage industries. A few provide in-house developed process technology while others partner with key process technology providers.

Flexibility is key

Ethanol industry leader ICM's patented process technology is the base of over 3.8 billion gallons of US annual ethanol production. The company is currently constructing about 30 plants, mostly in the US with three projects underway in Canada. It is also pursuing opportunities in Europe and Australia.

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