Renewables

The focus area Renewables aims to develop renewable input materials, fuels, chemicals, materials, and products where the raw material is biobased. To create sustainable processes, the entire biomass must be used wisely; therefore, the area works with multiple processes and biobased raw materials from both forestry and agriculture.

Why Renewables?

Increased industrial use of renewable raw materials will be decisive in achieving regional fossil independence in Västra Götaland regarding fuel, bulk and special chemicals and materials. The field of action Renewable focuses on using residual streams of forestry value chains such as shavings and bark, but can also industrially integrate other bio-raw materials such as plant oils and bio-waste oils and today more undeveloped bio-resources such as sea-based raw materials.

What do we focus on?

During 2019 – 2021, work has been carried out to develop a sugar platform within the region's petroleum and chemical industries, as well as to create the basis for a future plant for the conversion of bioethanol to ethylene, which is a basic input raw material for the chemical companies in Stenungsund. For example, biogas and biomethanol are input raw materials with great potential that require dedicated process routes for successful conversion from bio raw material, also extended integration of, for example, crude tall oil, pyrolysis oil from lignocellulose and applications of kraft lignin is relevant.

Our goals until 2025

Supporting projects and/or activities have led to at least one externally funded R&D project or an industrial venture linked to sugar-related processes and bioethylene processes, respectively.
At least 1 new relevant technology platform for forest raw materials has been identified and/or supported via projects or activities within the initiative.
At least 1 non-forest raw material and associated process path has been identified and/or supported through projects or activities within the venture.