Second-generation biofuels are obtained from ligno cellulosic raw materials not used for food purposes. First-generation biofuels, on the other hand, use corn, sugar cane and other varieties used for animal feed or human food. Second-generation biofuels do not cause an increase in food prices and generate substances with lower environmental impact because their CO2 emissions are virtually zero.
It is the world's first technology by which it is possible to produce, at industrial level, second-generation bioethanol and other chemicals at costs lower than oil. It can use a large variety of lignocellulosic biomass types.
Lower costs, no conflict with the food chain, adaptable to the biomass available in different territories, does not require subsidies, lower environmental impact, energy self-sufficiency in the production process.
Initially it will produce 40,000 t/y of bioethanol and will then reach 60,000 t/y at full capacity. It uses wheat straw and Arundo Donax (giant reed) grown within 70 km from the factory.
The pump price of gasoline is influenced by several factors and the industrial component is the least relevant from an economic point of view. Nevertheless reducing the production costs might also help to reduce pump costs, though marginally.
The majority of bioethanol produced in the Crescentino plant is acquired by one of the major global oil companies, which then adds it to its fuels distributed in Europe. A very small portion is sent to the distributor of bioethanol operating in Tortona
The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Italian government to identify the most suitable sites for the construction of new plants. The choice will fall on brownfield sites, so that they may start producing again in a sustainable way. At present it is impossible to determine precisely when and where the second bioethanol plant will be built.
No, the purpose of Beta Renewables is to promote the Proesa™ technology, that was applied for the first time on an industrial scale in Crescentino. This plant will be a valuable test case and a living proof of the validity of ProesaTM. Beta Renewables does not intend to become a fuel manufacturer.
