- Email: [email protected]
Mascoma, Valero partner for cellulosic ethanol facility in USA
FOCUS Eviagenics creates cell factories French biotechnology company Eviagenics is aiming to reduce the amount of time needed to develop and optimize cell factories from several years to several months. The company was formed at start 2010 and specializes in metabolic pathways (the series of biochemicals reactions that take place within a cell). Cells that are capable of synthesizing commercially interesting metabolites are known as cell factories. 40+ enzymes can be involved in cell factories. Whereas existing technologies take 3-6 months to optimize a single enzyme, Eviagenics’ technology enables the company to optimize an entire metabolic pathway within 1 year. It does this by allowing for the rapid testing of several hypotheses in order to select the best. This means it cuts both risks and costs. The technology is based on in vivo recombination. It has applications in the health care sector but also in biomass conversion into bioethanol and biomaterials. In the pharmaceuticals sector, Eviagenics is working with companies which are trying to identify compounds having new therapeutic properties. As well as providing services to outside companies, Eviagenics is also working on developing its own products in the aromas, vitamins, and amino acids sector. In 2011 the company is expected to post its turnover for the first time. By 2014 its turnover should reach € 4 M. The first income from licences to use its products should be generated in 2015. At present Eviagenics employs 9 people but that number will double in 2012 and reach 28 in 2013. Original Source: Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 28 Nov 2011, (572), 10 (Website: http://www.industrie.com/chimie) (in French) © ETAI Information 2011
Haldor Topsoe partner in new Danish BioRefining Alliance From waste to usable products: BioRefining Alliance is a new and groundbreaking partnership aiming at accelerating Denmark’s leading position in the field of sustainable biobased technologies. With sustainable technologies it is possible to transform biomass such as agricultural waste to high value fuels and chemicals, which we obtain from fossil resources today. The BioRefining Alliance intends to
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play a central role in establishing sustainable solutions to the global energy and resource challenges. The BioRefining Alliance counts three major Danish companies: Topsoe, Novozymes and DONG Energy as well as the Danish Agriculture and Food Council but will aim at including all relevant public and private partners. The BioRefining Alliance has defined four focus areas: Innovation, research, legislative rules, and dissemination. Remarkable results: “The task is challenging, but by gathering Denmark’s leading capacities in the field, we expect to achieve remarkable results,” says Jesper Nerlov, Executive Vice President, Research and Development, Topsoe. “We have already developed a large variety of catalytic technologies for sustainable conversion of biomass into valuable products. There is however a need for bringing all parties that can contribute to this development together in order to create, demonstrate, and industrialise future sustainable technologies. This will be the focus of the BioRefining Alliance.” BioRefining Alliance is a new public-private partnership which has been established to accelerate the development of biorefining solutions. The BioRefining Alliance aims at playing a key role in strengthening Denmark’s leading position in the field of biorefining and thereby supporting the transformation towards a societal independence of fossil fuels. Press release from: Haldor Topsoe A/S, Nymollevej 55, PO Box 213, DK 2800 Lyngby, Denmark, tel: +45 4527 2000, fax: +45 4527 2999, website: http://www.haldortopsoe.com ( 30 Nov 2011)
Imperium reports positive results for novel biodiesel process Imperium Renewables and the US DOE’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have reported that a novel process for making the biomass-based drop-in jet fuel they are jointly developing has yielded a significant amount of fuels. The fuel is presently being studied to determine if it can be mixed into commercial volumes of conventional, petroleumderived jet fuel. The technology entails a catalytic process under development by PNNL, which transforms biomassbased alcohols into bio-based jet fuel. Original Source: Biodiesel Magazine, Nov 2011 (Website: http://www.biodieselmagazine.com) © BBI International 2011
JGC C&C unveils high-performance desulfurization catalysts JGC Catalysts and Chemicals has rolled its desulfurization catalysts called CDS-RS series designed for heavyfuel-oil direct-desulfurization units. The new catalysts, which were developed inhouse, are expected to help oil refineries boost productivity of residualoil fluid catalytic cracking (RFCC). The product has demonstrated its ability to consistently reduce the concentration of metals in residual oil by as much as 40%. This allows an 18% decrease in the use of RFCC catalysts under similar conditions. Original Source: Japan Chemical Web, 9 Dec 2011 (Website: http://www.japanchemicalweb.jp) © The Chemical Daily Co Ltd 2011
KBR awarded contract for biomass-torenewable crude project in USA KBR, which is one of the global leaders in engineering, construction and services company, has bagged an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract by KiOR Inc to build a plant in Columbus, to convert biomass into drop-in biofuels such as gasoline and diesel blend stocks. The plant is devised to process about 500 tonne/day of wood biomass and produce around 11 M gallons of fuel/y. The plant is anticipated to decrease the dependence on foreign oil, reduce greenhouse gas emission and create jobs in rural areas. The plant would be based on the design and construction of the conventional fluid catalytic cracking units. Original Source: Chemical Engineering World, May 2011, 46 (5), 34 (Website: http://www.cewindia.com/) © Jasubhai Group 2011
Mascoma, Valero partner for cellulosic ethanol facility in USA Mascoma Corp has entered into agreement with Valero Energy Corp to develop and operate a 20 M gallon/y cellulosic ethanol facility in Kinross, MI, USA. The project cost is estimated at $232 M. The facility is built with a provision for future expansion to 40 M gallon/y. Financing will be partly done by Valero and the remaining funds will be arranged by US Department of Energy and the State of Michigan. The project is expected to be completed towards the end of 2013. Converting hardwood pulpwood into ethanol, the
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FOCUS Kinross plant will use Mascoma’s proprietary consolidated bioprocessing technology. Original Source: CTBR Clean Technology Business Review, 12 Dec 2011 (Website: http://www.cleantechnology-business-review.com/) © CTBR 2011
BioAmber, Mitsui plan succinic acid, BDO projects USA-based BioAmber and Japan’s Mitsui & Co are partnering to construct biosuccinic acid and 1,4-butanediol (BDO) facilities at three locations. The Sarnia, Canada project, slated to start up in 2013, will initially have a capacity of 17,000 tonne/y of biosuccinic acid. The partners then plan to boost the biosuccinic acid capacity to 35,000 tonne/y and build a 23,000 tonne/y BDO capacity. A feasibility study is ongoing for the project in Map Ta Phut, Thailand. The study is being carried out by PTT MCC Biochem, a jv between Mitsubishi Chemical and PTT. The Thai project, which will have a capacity of 65,000 tonne/y of biosuccinic acid, is expected to come online in 2014. The third project is to be located either in North America or Brazil. Original Source: ICIS Chemical Business, 21 Nov 2011 (Website: http://icischemicalbusiness.com) © Reed Business Information Limited 2011. Original Source: Plastics Today News, 10 and 17 Nov 2011 (Website: http://www.plasticstoday.com) © UBM Canon 2011
Novozymes inlicenses MorphoSys Technology to accelerate enzyme research MorphoSys AG and Novozymes, have signed a licensing agreement for MorphoSys’ patented Slonomics technology. Using Slonomics as an automated enzyme engineering tool will allow Novozymes’ researchers to reduce the time needed to develop new enzymes. Slonomics technology, which comprises patented methods and know-how, advanced materials, and robotic equipment, allows the combining of building blocks in exactly the preferred order and composition. Researchers can thus create only the desired diversity among the enzyme variants, eliminating all the undesired combinations. In a typical scenario, Novozymes’ researchers can reduce the number of necessary variants from millions to 10,000. Continuous innovation is fundamental to Novozymes’ business. The company
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spends roughly 14% of its revenue on R&D, and launches 6-8 new products each year. Historically, 25-30% of the company’s sales have stemmed from products developed within the past 5 years. In 2010, Novozymes reported sales of DKR 9.7 bn. Novozymes becomes the first industrial biotech company to have access to Slonomics technology.
range of catalysts to optimize olefin metathesis reactions. It has submitted 2 patents for its technology. The new process releases 10-100 times less ruthenium and is more efficient. Founders Frederic Caijo and Marc Mauduit plan to have a workforce of 5-6 by the end of 2012. Omega Cat Systems aims to capture 10% of the olefin metathesis market within 3 years.
Press release from: Novozymes A/S, Krogshojvej 36, 2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark, tel: +45 4446 0000, fax: +45 4446 9999, e-mail: [email protected], website: http://www.novozymes.com (15 Dec 2011)
Original Source: Chimie Pharma Hebdo. 21 Nov 2011, 10 (571) (Website: http://www.industrie.com/chimie) (in French) © ETAI Information 2011
Novozymes to enter Indian biotech market India’s largest pharmaceutical enzymes supplier, Novozymes South Asia, plans to consolidate its position in the Indian market by supporting both global development and creating solutions specific to the Indian biotech market. The India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), has estimated the enzymes market to reach the $10 bn mark by 2015. With serious environmental concerns, industrial biotechnology is set to ascend a steep growth. The market for biofuels is also a high potential sector with the Government’s Biofuel policy (20% fuel target in 2017) in place. The company has a strong foothold primarily in digestive aid. The 400 plus employee organisation has around 700 products used in 130 countries across various arenas. It launches global products in India taking into account local market demands. The company realises the requirement for specific local application especially in the food and beverage, and household sector. Its R&D centre is focused on these needs. It is also positive about openings in bioenergy, as cellulosic ethanol can bring about a change in business and the supply of energy to the transport sector. The company utilises its expertise beyond enzymes to new industries and applications in the Biobusiness segment. Original Source: Express Pharma, 1-15 Dec 2011, 7 (3) (Website: http://www.expresspharmaonline.com) © The Indian Express Ltd 2011
Omega Cat System developing more efficient organic catalysts The French start-up company Omega Cat Systems has launched a new
Oxford Catalysts Group PLC annual report and accounts 2010: chairman’s statement 2010 was another successful year for Oxford Catalysts, continuing its transformation from a development organisation to a commercial product provider. Market conditions for synthetic fuels production, especially through smaller scale Gas-to-Liquids (GTL), have improved considerably over the past year and the group is enjoying high levels of interest in its technology. The group’s existing commercial relationships remain strong; at the same time it is actively exploring additional opportunities with a number of major corporations. Its partner SGC Energia, SGPS, SA (SGCE) placed 2 orders with the group for commercial scale FischerTropsch (FT) reactors, and is completing its plans for a major commercial synthetic fuels plant. The group’s FT demonstration in Guessing, Austria, was a success, validating many of the group’s technology advantages. At SGCE’s request, Oxford Catalysts agreed to extend the demonstration (fully funded by SGCE) to host potential customers and to provide a location for SGCE to train its operators on the group’s technology ahead of deployment in commercial plants. The group announced the delivery of Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) and FT reactors for its GTL demonstration, which is funded and managed by Toyo Engineering Corporation and MODEC Inc, in collaboration with Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras), which is hosting the demonstration at one of its refineries in Brazil. The demonstration plant was fully constructed on schedule and arrived in Brazil in Apr 2011. During the year, the group also
FEBRUARY 2012
Haldor Topsoe partner in new Danish BioRefining Alliance From waste to usable products: BioRefining Alliance is a new and groundbreaking partnership aiming at accelerating Denmark’s leading position in the field of sustainable biobased technologies. With sustainable technologies it is possible to transform biomass such as agricultural waste to high value fuels and chemicals, which we obtain from fossil resources today. The BioRefining Alliance intends to
FEBRUARY 2012
ON
C ATA LY S T S
play a central role in establishing sustainable solutions to the global energy and resource challenges. The BioRefining Alliance counts three major Danish companies: Topsoe, Novozymes and DONG Energy as well as the Danish Agriculture and Food Council but will aim at including all relevant public and private partners. The BioRefining Alliance has defined four focus areas: Innovation, research, legislative rules, and dissemination. Remarkable results: “The task is challenging, but by gathering Denmark’s leading capacities in the field, we expect to achieve remarkable results,” says Jesper Nerlov, Executive Vice President, Research and Development, Topsoe. “We have already developed a large variety of catalytic technologies for sustainable conversion of biomass into valuable products. There is however a need for bringing all parties that can contribute to this development together in order to create, demonstrate, and industrialise future sustainable technologies. This will be the focus of the BioRefining Alliance.” BioRefining Alliance is a new public-private partnership which has been established to accelerate the development of biorefining solutions. The BioRefining Alliance aims at playing a key role in strengthening Denmark’s leading position in the field of biorefining and thereby supporting the transformation towards a societal independence of fossil fuels. Press release from: Haldor Topsoe A/S, Nymollevej 55, PO Box 213, DK 2800 Lyngby, Denmark, tel: +45 4527 2000, fax: +45 4527 2999, website: http://www.haldortopsoe.com ( 30 Nov 2011)
Imperium reports positive results for novel biodiesel process Imperium Renewables and the US DOE’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have reported that a novel process for making the biomass-based drop-in jet fuel they are jointly developing has yielded a significant amount of fuels. The fuel is presently being studied to determine if it can be mixed into commercial volumes of conventional, petroleumderived jet fuel. The technology entails a catalytic process under development by PNNL, which transforms biomassbased alcohols into bio-based jet fuel. Original Source: Biodiesel Magazine, Nov 2011 (Website: http://www.biodieselmagazine.com) © BBI International 2011
JGC C&C unveils high-performance desulfurization catalysts JGC Catalysts and Chemicals has rolled its desulfurization catalysts called CDS-RS series designed for heavyfuel-oil direct-desulfurization units. The new catalysts, which were developed inhouse, are expected to help oil refineries boost productivity of residualoil fluid catalytic cracking (RFCC). The product has demonstrated its ability to consistently reduce the concentration of metals in residual oil by as much as 40%. This allows an 18% decrease in the use of RFCC catalysts under similar conditions. Original Source: Japan Chemical Web, 9 Dec 2011 (Website: http://www.japanchemicalweb.jp) © The Chemical Daily Co Ltd 2011
KBR awarded contract for biomass-torenewable crude project in USA KBR, which is one of the global leaders in engineering, construction and services company, has bagged an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract by KiOR Inc to build a plant in Columbus, to convert biomass into drop-in biofuels such as gasoline and diesel blend stocks. The plant is devised to process about 500 tonne/day of wood biomass and produce around 11 M gallons of fuel/y. The plant is anticipated to decrease the dependence on foreign oil, reduce greenhouse gas emission and create jobs in rural areas. The plant would be based on the design and construction of the conventional fluid catalytic cracking units. Original Source: Chemical Engineering World, May 2011, 46 (5), 34 (Website: http://www.cewindia.com/) © Jasubhai Group 2011
Mascoma, Valero partner for cellulosic ethanol facility in USA Mascoma Corp has entered into agreement with Valero Energy Corp to develop and operate a 20 M gallon/y cellulosic ethanol facility in Kinross, MI, USA. The project cost is estimated at $232 M. The facility is built with a provision for future expansion to 40 M gallon/y. Financing will be partly done by Valero and the remaining funds will be arranged by US Department of Energy and the State of Michigan. The project is expected to be completed towards the end of 2013. Converting hardwood pulpwood into ethanol, the
3
FOCUS Kinross plant will use Mascoma’s proprietary consolidated bioprocessing technology. Original Source: CTBR Clean Technology Business Review, 12 Dec 2011 (Website: http://www.cleantechnology-business-review.com/) © CTBR 2011
BioAmber, Mitsui plan succinic acid, BDO projects USA-based BioAmber and Japan’s Mitsui & Co are partnering to construct biosuccinic acid and 1,4-butanediol (BDO) facilities at three locations. The Sarnia, Canada project, slated to start up in 2013, will initially have a capacity of 17,000 tonne/y of biosuccinic acid. The partners then plan to boost the biosuccinic acid capacity to 35,000 tonne/y and build a 23,000 tonne/y BDO capacity. A feasibility study is ongoing for the project in Map Ta Phut, Thailand. The study is being carried out by PTT MCC Biochem, a jv between Mitsubishi Chemical and PTT. The Thai project, which will have a capacity of 65,000 tonne/y of biosuccinic acid, is expected to come online in 2014. The third project is to be located either in North America or Brazil. Original Source: ICIS Chemical Business, 21 Nov 2011 (Website: http://icischemicalbusiness.com) © Reed Business Information Limited 2011. Original Source: Plastics Today News, 10 and 17 Nov 2011 (Website: http://www.plasticstoday.com) © UBM Canon 2011
Novozymes inlicenses MorphoSys Technology to accelerate enzyme research MorphoSys AG and Novozymes, have signed a licensing agreement for MorphoSys’ patented Slonomics technology. Using Slonomics as an automated enzyme engineering tool will allow Novozymes’ researchers to reduce the time needed to develop new enzymes. Slonomics technology, which comprises patented methods and know-how, advanced materials, and robotic equipment, allows the combining of building blocks in exactly the preferred order and composition. Researchers can thus create only the desired diversity among the enzyme variants, eliminating all the undesired combinations. In a typical scenario, Novozymes’ researchers can reduce the number of necessary variants from millions to 10,000. Continuous innovation is fundamental to Novozymes’ business. The company
4
ON
C ATA LY S T S
spends roughly 14% of its revenue on R&D, and launches 6-8 new products each year. Historically, 25-30% of the company’s sales have stemmed from products developed within the past 5 years. In 2010, Novozymes reported sales of DKR 9.7 bn. Novozymes becomes the first industrial biotech company to have access to Slonomics technology.
range of catalysts to optimize olefin metathesis reactions. It has submitted 2 patents for its technology. The new process releases 10-100 times less ruthenium and is more efficient. Founders Frederic Caijo and Marc Mauduit plan to have a workforce of 5-6 by the end of 2012. Omega Cat Systems aims to capture 10% of the olefin metathesis market within 3 years.
Press release from: Novozymes A/S, Krogshojvej 36, 2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark, tel: +45 4446 0000, fax: +45 4446 9999, e-mail: [email protected], website: http://www.novozymes.com (15 Dec 2011)
Original Source: Chimie Pharma Hebdo. 21 Nov 2011, 10 (571) (Website: http://www.industrie.com/chimie) (in French) © ETAI Information 2011
Novozymes to enter Indian biotech market India’s largest pharmaceutical enzymes supplier, Novozymes South Asia, plans to consolidate its position in the Indian market by supporting both global development and creating solutions specific to the Indian biotech market. The India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), has estimated the enzymes market to reach the $10 bn mark by 2015. With serious environmental concerns, industrial biotechnology is set to ascend a steep growth. The market for biofuels is also a high potential sector with the Government’s Biofuel policy (20% fuel target in 2017) in place. The company has a strong foothold primarily in digestive aid. The 400 plus employee organisation has around 700 products used in 130 countries across various arenas. It launches global products in India taking into account local market demands. The company realises the requirement for specific local application especially in the food and beverage, and household sector. Its R&D centre is focused on these needs. It is also positive about openings in bioenergy, as cellulosic ethanol can bring about a change in business and the supply of energy to the transport sector. The company utilises its expertise beyond enzymes to new industries and applications in the Biobusiness segment. Original Source: Express Pharma, 1-15 Dec 2011, 7 (3) (Website: http://www.expresspharmaonline.com) © The Indian Express Ltd 2011
Omega Cat System developing more efficient organic catalysts The French start-up company Omega Cat Systems has launched a new
Oxford Catalysts Group PLC annual report and accounts 2010: chairman’s statement 2010 was another successful year for Oxford Catalysts, continuing its transformation from a development organisation to a commercial product provider. Market conditions for synthetic fuels production, especially through smaller scale Gas-to-Liquids (GTL), have improved considerably over the past year and the group is enjoying high levels of interest in its technology. The group’s existing commercial relationships remain strong; at the same time it is actively exploring additional opportunities with a number of major corporations. Its partner SGC Energia, SGPS, SA (SGCE) placed 2 orders with the group for commercial scale FischerTropsch (FT) reactors, and is completing its plans for a major commercial synthetic fuels plant. The group’s FT demonstration in Guessing, Austria, was a success, validating many of the group’s technology advantages. At SGCE’s request, Oxford Catalysts agreed to extend the demonstration (fully funded by SGCE) to host potential customers and to provide a location for SGCE to train its operators on the group’s technology ahead of deployment in commercial plants. The group announced the delivery of Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) and FT reactors for its GTL demonstration, which is funded and managed by Toyo Engineering Corporation and MODEC Inc, in collaboration with Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras), which is hosting the demonstration at one of its refineries in Brazil. The demonstration plant was fully constructed on schedule and arrived in Brazil in Apr 2011. During the year, the group also
FEBRUARY 2012