Delfzijl, The Netherlands [RenewableEnergyWorld.com] BioMCN is now successfully producing bio-methanol at its pilot plant in The Netherlands. The plant has a capacity of 20 kilotons and BioMCN is so confident about the process that it has already ordered all the necessary equipment for the first 200 kiloton unit to be installed. Construction is due to start this summer and start up of the first unit is targeted for the end of the first quarter of 2009.
BioMCN uses glycerine, a by-product of biodiesel production. CO2 emissions in comparison to regular methanol production are reduced by as much as 70%. The resulting bio-methanol meets, and even 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.
