LATEST NEWS

BioMCN successfully produces bio-methanol

24th April, 2008

BioMethanol Chemie Nederland (BioMCN) is now successfully producing bio-methanol at its pilot plant in the Netherlands.

The plant has a capacity of 20 kilotonnes and BioMCN has already ordered all the necessary equipment for the first 200 kilotonne unit to be installed.

Construction is due to start in Q2 this year and start-up of the first unit is targeted for the end of Q1 2009.

BioMCN uses glycerine, a by-product of biodiesel production. Carbon dioxide emissions in comparison to regular methanol production are reduced by as much as 70%. The resulting bio-methanol exceeds the internationally accepted IMPCA methanol specification.

Bio-methanol is primarily targeted at transportation fuels allowing the petrochemical industry new ways to meet the targets as required by the EU renewable energy directive. Because bio-methanol is chemically identical to regular methanol, it can also be used in any traditional methanol application.