Producing climate-friendly fuel from agricultural waste is already a reality. The shift away from fossil fuels has become a global priority to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Eight years ago, the European Commission sponsored a project to establish a pre-commercial, industrial-scale demonstration facility for producing cellulosic ethanol from agricultural waste. This idea has taken root: a private chemical company has already moved to commercial cellulosic ethanol in Romania, with support from the European Union.
The flagship facility processes locally sourced agricultural waste, such as straw, to generate about 50,000 tons of cellulosic ethanol annually using sunliquid technology.
The initiative originates with a chemical specialty company, supported by two European projects, aiming to cut dependence on fossil fuels and advance a transition to a net-zero emissions future.
Extraction of all cellulosic ethanol production has been contracted with Shell, the global energy company, following a multi-year agreement.
In the first half of this year, the plant completed a thorough commissioning phase. The European Commission’s Community Research and Development Information Service (CORDIS) reported a successful start to production.
“Preserving the climate is a core part of the broader mission to align chemistry with people and planet,” stated Clariant’s CEO during June.
50,000 tons of biofuel per year
“Biofuels and biochemicals derived from agricultural waste play a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Their commercial production and availability must expand rapidly to widen their use, making the sunliquid plant in Podari, Romania, a vital milestone” (Clariant press materials).
Aerial view shows the Clariant facility in Podari, Romania. Clariant
Clariant estimates that 250,000 tons of straw will be processed annually to yield 50,000 tons of second-generation biofuel.
The resulting cellulosic ethanol can be used directly for fuel blending, and it also opens opportunities for broader applications in sustainable aviation fuel and bio-based chemicals.
Production of biofuels from edible crops such as canola, corn, and grains remains widespread globally. This fact fuels ongoing debate about whether arable land should be used for food or fuel.
The EC-backed project offers a solution through Clariant’s sunliquid process, which relies on local agricultural waste and efficiently converts straw sugars into biofuels.
The company has signed contracts with more than 300 local farmers to guarantee a steady supply of raw materials.
As this process gains traction, it emphasizes reducing CO2 emissions, achieving about 50% more bioethanol production, and increasing energy self-sufficiency, according to officials and the company.
Alternative fuel to fossils
“Biofuel produced by the sunliquid process supports transport sector decarbonization by saving up to 120% CO2 compared with fossil fuels,” notes Clariant’s director.
Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, serves as an additive in gasoline and qualifies as an alternative fuel option.
Aerial captions note that Clariant expects to process 250,000 tons of straw per year.
Depending on its origin, bioethanol can be classified as renewable (bioethanol) or renewable biological sources (agricultural residues, biomass, microorganisms) or synthetic, derived from fossil-origin materials.
Traditionally, renewable ethanol is categorized as either simple starch- or sugar-derived or cellulosic, produced from agricultural and forest residues or lignocellulosic crops.
Cellulose is the most abundant structural material in plants and a key biological molecule. Producing ethanol from cellulosic feedstocks requires breaking the material down into fermentable sugars.
Cellulosic ethanol offers advantages in terms of reduced direct and indirect land-use change risks. Many cellulosic crops are perennials with roots that help prevent soil erosion and improve nitrogen fertilizer retention.
These climate benefits come from avoiding fossil-based raw materials, reducing emissions during production, and capturing carbon in the process.