2G ethanol production relaunched at Crescentino
Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF.
Versalis, Eni's chemical company, has begun the production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass at Crescentino (Vercelli).
Press release: “Versalis: the production of bioethanol up and running at Crescentino”, 02/02/2022.
Related post: “Versalis acquires Beta Renewables and Biochemtex”, 18/10/2018.
Figure 1. Crescentino biorefinery
The plant, which was acquired in 2018, has been overhauled thanks to major investments and has started the production of advanced bioethanol, in compliance with the European legislation for the development of renewable energy RED II, as it is derived from raw materials that do not interfere with the food chain. The bioethanol, produced using Proesa® technology is ISCC-EU certified and will be used to formulate gasoline with a renewable component.
The plant is capable of processing 200,000 tons of biomass per year, with a maximum production capacity of approximately 25,000 tons of bioethanol per year. Following an initial test production run in recent weeks, the plant is now working at a progressive speed in order to fine-tune processes. Since July 2020, Crescentino has also been producing Invix® hand and surface disinfectant, a “medical device” made using bio-based ethanol as active ingredient.
The Versalis plant at Crescentino is an example of sustainable initiative and circularity: its energy supply is self-sustaining due to the production of renewable electricity and steam from the thermoelectric power plant, which is fed with short supply chain biomass and the lignin co-produced by the process. A complex water treatment plant also enables the production of biogas, which in turn is used to produce steam. The plant is also able to recycle the water used, thus drastically reducing consumption.
