LanzaTech uses proprietary bacteria to convert industrial waste gases into fuels and chemicals. The financing follows LanzaTech’s signing with Baosteel, China’s largest steel and iron conglomerate, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) to commercialize its technologies for producing ethanol from steel mill off gases.

Gary Rieschel, Founder and Managing Director of Qiming, says Lanzatech represents a great opportunity for China.

Source: http://www.lanzatech.co.nz/?t=8&view=1&newsId=15

China, an up and coming market, is setting its eyes on LanzaTech due to the significance of its unique technology – using bacteria to convert waste gas to low cost liquid biofuel.

The 5^th BTL and Bio-Based Chemicals is proud to welcome Dr. Sean Simpson, Co-Founder/Chief Scientific Officer of LanzaTech NZ, to Rotterdam to speak on how they add value to effluent/ waste from industries – in this case steel mill gases, ie, using a microbial process for the production of liquid biofuels and high value chemicals.

The 2-day conference will also feature talks on BTL technology innovations and new projects.

For a full program agenda on the conference, click here or email Ms Reema Patnaik at reema@cmtsp.com.sg

The Bure Saudron pilot will demonstrate a complete BTL production chain: gathering and conditioning of the biomass, gasification, gas processing, and conversion to synthetic fuel via the Fischer-Tropsch process. It is intended (to) provide the experience necessary for the establishment of a BTL sector, both for process integration techniques and for the definition of a regional economic model. This will be the first production unit of its kind in France.

Currently, a limitation of BTL processing is the mass yield of the end products. The Bure Saudron project will experiment with a novel solution to increase process efficiency—the ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide generated during the synthesis stage of the fuel will be greatly enhanced by the external input of hydrogen. This innovation will be a world first, according to CEA.

Source: http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/12/bure-saudron-20091225.html, 25 December 2009

In view of the above, those seeking more insights on latest developments on Bure Saudron project will be pleased to know that BTL & Bio-Based Chemicals conference has invited Ms Juliette Imbach, Operation Manager, CEA and will be presenting on the topic below:

“First BTL project in France using external hydrogen to boost biofuels yields”

For more information on the conference schedule please click here.

Last October, Qatar Airways successfully conducted the world’s first commercial flight powered by a Gas-to-Liquidfuel blend last October, which proved to be a significant development in the use of alternative fuels.

The group has been advised by Seattle-based US-based Verno Systems Inc., embarked on a very comprehensive and detailed feasibility study on sustainable Biomass-to-Liquid (BTL) jet fuel. QABP will be structured so that it canbe expanded to include additional projects, technologies, investments and partnerships globally, and is focused onshort, medium and long term goals. The partners have not disclosed feedstocks or timing at thispoint, althoughAirbus noted that the QABP is an “Important step to reach carbon neutral growth in the aviation sector by 2020.”

Verno noted that, in order for aviation biofuels to advance in the 2010s, the development of feedstocks, capital, technology and policy are critical factors, but even more key is “an agreed set of sustainability standards.” They added that governments, NGOs, and communities must become comfortable with the sustainability credentials, noting that land-use and genetic modification are just two of the issues that must be broadly agreed in terms of international standards, and validated by the environmental community, in order to assure the viability of aviation biofuels.

Source: http://www.biofuelsdigest.com/blog2/2010/01/11/qatar-airways-airbus-and-qatar-petroleum-announce-aviation-biofuels-development-project/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+biofuelsdigest+%28Biofuels+Digest%29 (January 11, 2010, by Jim Lane)

In-depth insights, as well as first hand information pertaining to “Commercializing BTL Biorefinery Projects for Production of Diesel & Jet Fuels” are just some of the key topics for discussion at BTL & Bio-Based Chemicals, meeting on the 6 & 7 Oct 2010 in Rotterdam. Besides this, the conference will also spotlight on the latest innovation trends associated with BTL technologies

For more information about the conference please contact Ms Reema Patnaik at reema@cmtsp.com.sg or 65 6346 9144.

• University of South Florida Researchers developed a new cobalt silica-supported eggshell design catalyst to optimize liquids production from biomass. The new catalyst is said to enjoy a longerlifespan, and producing water as a by-product, making it a cleaner option. ~5 April 2010
• Researchers from the Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) in Germany have shown that hydrocarbon yield and energy efficiency can be increased in a Fischer-Tropsch (FT) biomass-to-liquids (BTL) process using a hydrophilic membrane enabling the in situ removal of water from the catalyst bed. ~ 4 April 2010
• Udhe recently upgraded their PRENFLOW technology to combine a dry feed system, multiple burners, a membrane wall and a proprietary water quench system. The innovation cuts out the need for capital-intensive systems and can process a variety of feedstocks.  ~ 28 March 2010

Technological innovations are opening new opportunities for a broader range of biomass processors to play an active role in the Biomass to Liquids industry! That is why the BTL & Bio-Based Chemicals conference meeting in Rotterdam-Netherlands is providing updates on the latest technological innovations to Improve Conversion & Optimize Mass Yields for BTL.

The BTL & Bio-Based Chemicals conference will also offer a Progress Report on the Commercialization of BTL Biorefiniery projects, with special focus on Diesel and Jet Fuel production.

Those keen on participating in BTL & Bio-Based Chemicals as delegates, sponsors, speakers and media partners can submit their proposals to hafizah@cmtsp.com.sg.

“Accelergy Corporation has begun production of a synthetic fuel from coal and biomass, to be evaluated by the United States Air Force (USAF) as the industry benchmark for 100% synthetic jet fuel.” ~ March 2010

“British Airways, in partnership with the Solena Group, will establish Europe’s first plant for sustainable jet-fuel with planned use in 2014. The east London plant will gasify 500,000 tonnes of waste biomass/year, and use a Fischer-Tropsch process to convert the resulting syngas to over 16 million gallons of bio jet fuel and bio naphtha.” ~ Feb 2010

“ClearFuels Technology Inc. has executed a letter of engagement with BNP Paribas to act as financial advisor to assist and support ClearFuels in securing senior secured debt financing for its commercial thermochemical Biomass-to-Liquids (BTL) biorefinery projects.”~ Jan 2010

“The French CEA (the Atomic and Alternative Energy Commission) and its industrial andfinancial partners are launching the first phase of construction of a pilot thermochemical biomass-to-liquids (BTL) unit in Bure Saudron, which is located 80 km from Nancy in north eastern France.”  ~December 2009

Developments over the past 4 months demonstrate the growing commercial interest and value of thermochemical conversion of biomass into synthesis gas and associated liquids. Currently, the most ‘in-demand’ applications of the process are the production of liquid fuels like Biodiesel and BioJetfuel.

What are the next steps to commercializing BTL Biorefinery projects for large-scale production of Diesel & Jet Fuels? How to improve conversion and optimize biomass yields?

BTL & Bio-Based Chemicals is part of CMT’s annual Biomass to Liquids conference in Europe, which attracts over 100 worldwide delegates with a keen interest in hearing from key researchers, project developers, investors and other industry experts.

Mark the dates – We will finalize the BTL & Bio-Based Chemicals agenda very soon so do check this page regularly for updates. In the mean time, if you wish to participate as a delegate, speaker, or media partners and sponsors, contact us via our online enquiry form or click on the links below.

The combined heat and power (CHP) plant in Güssing, Austria has a fuel capacity of 8 MW and an electrical output of about 2 MWel with an electrical efficiency of about 25 %. Wood chips with a water content of 20 – 30 % are used as fuel. The plant consists of a dual fluidized bed steam gassifier, a two-stage gas cleaning system, a gas engine with an electricity generator, and a heat utilization system.

Biomass CHP Plant Güssing have also developed a pilot project to convert Biomass into Fischer-Tropsch diesel.

The Biomass CHP Plant Güssing started operations in January 2002 and was the first community in the European Union to produce its whole energy demand – electricity, heating/cooling, fuels – out of renewable resources.

The delegation of 50 will depart for Güssing at 1.45PM on 25th September 2009 to view the Biomass CHP Plant Güssing and the Pilot BTL plant. The tour will end at 5PM.

Places on the 4th BTLtec site visit are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis and are open to 4th BTLtec conference participants only.

Those seeking more information on participating in 4th BTLtec and the Site Visit to Biomass CHP Plant Güssing can >>CLICK HERE<< or email jaime@cmtsp.com.sg to register.

Since 2007, BTLtec conferences have provided a comprehensive look at the Biomass-to-Liquids value chain. In fact, over 300 people from 40 countries have benefited from spot-on insights, debate and discussion, in addition to opportunities to network and amass contacts at our interactive two-day events.

4th BTLtec has evolved from our first event in Munich and feature a world-class panel of leading experts to share latest on BTL technology developments, project updates, government policies and feedstock issues.

Austria is home to over 83,000 biomass installations and Biomass is a significant contributor to Austria’s energy mix. Biomass-to-Liquids technology (BtL), seen as the 2nd generation, is already increasing the value and efficiency of the existing biomass value chain in Austria.

4th BTLtec maps the landmark achievements in the industry, and marks the beginning of the race to commercialisation of next generation pyrolysis and gasification technologies. The conference also explores the latest thermochemical pathways for converting waste streams to liquids.

The conference will attract participation from biofuel project operators and developers, bio- refinery executives, gasification technology developers, biodiesel executives, feedstock developers, policy makers and Biomass-to-Liquids (BtL) pioneers from around the world.

Participants will also have a bonus option to visit the Gussing BTL plant as part of the 4th BTLtec experience. The visit will serve to reinforce some of the key concepts and concerns addressed at the conference.

Drop us an email at jaime@cmtsp.com.sg to enquire about registration, media partnerships or sponsorship packages at the 4th BTLtec conference.

In fact, we are proud to announce that Dr. Mark A. Dietenberger, Research General Engineer of US Forest Service has been roped in as new addition to our invited expert speakers’ line-up at BTLtec 2008.

Dr. Dietenberger is expected to shed some insights on outlook and prospects of BTL for the US Forestry Industry in relation to the FPL initiative.

Established in 1910, the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) research concentrates on pulp and paper products, housing and structural uses of wood, wood preservation, wood and fungi identification, and finishing and restoration of wood products.

As for now, investing in stand-alone BTL facilities in the US are still not very attractive to the forest products industry because of limited integration potential with their wood or pulp mills, as well as their low-value and low-productivity products such as mixed alcohols or fast pyrolysis bio-oil that also lack long-term market viability. To meet the need for BTL guidance, the FPL is undertaking business case studies to evaluate (1) wood/paper mills that utilize the steam, power, and off-gas fuel for kilns from the biomass gasification to liquid fuel conversion facility that in turn utilizes discarded debris from the mills, and (2) ethanol bioconversion of hemi-cellulose separated from the woody chips prior to pulping in a paper mill.

Don’t delay! Register to attend BTLtec 2008 today and come away with invaluable knowledge bank that you can implement in your own organization.

Registration is Euro1195 and can be made at http://www.btltec.com/btl/attend/register-for-btltec/ or by calling us at 65 6345 7322. Seating is limited. Please contact us with any questions or for further information. We hope to see you there!

Yours Sincerely,

Program Director
Centre for Management Technology

PS: Be at the forefront to capture the latest updates and network with experts in the BTL business! Register for BTLtec 2008 NOW!

There are a few train connections between Varnamo and the Copenhagen Kastrup Airport that you can select to suit your travelling plan. The railway station in Varnamo is only about 15 minutes’ drive from the VVBGC facility.

Train schedule between Varnamo Train Station and Kastrup Airport are:

LEAVE VARNAMO                         ARRIVE KASTRUP 
       16:27                                            19:23
       16:54                                            19:43
       17:57                                            20:43

So don’t miss out on this opportunity to tour a Biomass gasification plant. Participate in the lively discussion during the visit where you can pose your questions to our site host and get first hand accounts on plant management issues.

Göteborg, Sweden (PRWEB) July 14, 2008 — The 3rd BTLtec conference to be held in Göteborg on October 13-14, 2008 will look at two issues that are critical to the widespread commercialization of BTL:

• That the integration of a BTL plant with a pulp and paper mill can be economically attractive under many circumstances.
• Are forest biomass resources sufficient to support future growth in BTL projects plans and are there alternative feedstock options?

The October meet also features insights on the latest technological, policies, projects and market trends in the BTL value chain. In addition, focused case studies on the future directions of sustainable Biomass conversion in Sweden, BTL in Norway and the overall outlook on supply and demand of Biomass in EU will put regional developments in BTL into broader perspective.

Improved technologies in gasification and F T processes are opening new opportunities for even pulp and paper mills to play the important role in bioenergy field as biomass processors. In fact it was reported just last month that Neste Oil plans to build a $1B NExBTL Renewable Diesel Plant in Rotterdam. Prior to this, in May last year, UPM, a global forestry company teamed up with Carbona to develop synthetic biofuels.

Neste Oil together with UPM-Kymmene and Xynergo plus prominent transport industry player Volvo Technology whose HQ is in Göteborg, Shell which has a minority stake in BTL producer CHOREN and global involvement in CTL, GTL projects plus initiatives on XTL (GTL/CTL/ BTL) technologies and many others are some of the invited panelists in the conference.

To complete the program, an optional half day tour site visit to the Växjö Värnamo Biomass Gasification Centre (VVBGC) is also planned on the October 14, 2008. VVBGC is an R&D centre inviting collaborative initiatives in gasification of biomass, feeding systems, hot gas cleaning, IGCC syngas upgrading, catalyst research, BTL processes, H2 for fuel cells. The plant is currently based on an IGCC process which is planned for rebuild to syngas version. Investments into the VVBGC Pilot plant are supported by the Swedish Energy Agency and also partly by the EC through it Framework 6 Research Project CHRISGAS. The aim of the CHRISGAS Project is to demonstrate the production of a clean and hydrogen-rich synthesis gas from woody biomass.

In line with the 3rd BTLtec 2008, the event organiser CMT, is giving out an exclusive presentation paper on “GTL, CTL and BTL: Friends or Enemies” by Dr Mark Morgan as a prelude to what to expect in Göteborg. In this 36 paged slide presentation, Dr Mark Morgan – Executive Consultant of Nexant Chemsystems reveals key insights into the sustainability of BTL projects, its technology evolution and development. Rated one of the TOP Presentations at the 2nd BTLtec Conference 2007 in Vienna, this presentation may be downloaded for free at http://www.btltec.com/btlpaper/index.htm

3rd BTLtec will see key decision makers in the renewable energy sector convene to discuss the future of this dynamic and viable source of energy. Those interested to learn more must visit www.btltec.com/btl for information about BTL and on how to register for this authoritative event.