1 May 2008
Choren completes biomass biofuels plant
THE DEVELOPMENT of second-generation biofuels took a big step forward last month with the completion of a plant in Germany that will convert biomass into synthetic diesel fuel. Choren Industries' 18m litres a year unit, in Freiberg, will produce biomass-to-liquids (BTL) fuel from non-food biomass, such as forest residues and waste wood. A litre of BTL will need less than a third of the land needed for a litre of rapeseed biodiesel, claims Shell, a minority shareholder in Choren. Shell also claims that the fuel will cut carbon dioxide production by up to 90% compared with conventional diesel and is compatible with standard diesel engines and supply infrastructure. Production is due to commenc
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