NewEnergyBlue is a leading clean-tech biomass refinery developer. It announced the acquisition from Ørsted in Denmark, one of the world’s major renewable energy companies, of the Inbicon biomass conversion technology. The sale of this technology includes rights to Inbicon’s international patent portfolio along with global licensing, which goes beyond an earlier agreement with the company that limited licensing to the Americas. Under NewEnergyBlue’s ownership, the company ramps up its operations internationally, targeting regions worldwide where agricultural waste can be used to produce renewable energy and chemicals, thus enabling a transition away from fossil fuels.
Renewable energy production from agricultural waste across the world.
NewEnergyBlue biomass refineries are envisioned to process agricultural waste-corn stalks, wheat straw, and sugar bagasse-into renewable alternatives for fossil fuels and oil-based chemicals. The above-mentioned waste products are left behind in massive quantities on a yearly basis as the harvest season ends around the world. By using such waste, NewEnergyBlue aims to reduce the impact of conventionally produced energy on the environment to concur with global sustainability goals.
Besides these agriculture residues, NewEnergyBlue also develops perennial grasses that can grow well in arid areas when food crops can hardly survive. These grasses are yet another colossal opportunity to further decrease dependence on fossil fuels and increase the range of renewable feedstocks for bioenergy production.
Biomass Conversion Technology for 2G Bioethanol and Clean Lignin
The Inbicon technology was developed over 25 years ago in Denmark and optimizes the refineries of NewEnergyBlue in the bio-conversion process. It enhances this process in biomass conversion through focusing on thermodynamics and chemical control without resorting to harsh additives. One of the major by-products is clean water, hence making it more environmentally friendly and maintaining compliance with various global sustainability regulations.
The first full-scale commercial Inbicon biomass refinery opened in the town of Kalundborg, Denmark, in 2009. It processed wheat straw into 2G ethanol, showing technology that will be used to steeply cut carbon emissions in transportation, especially for auto and aviation fuels.
The first US facility, called the New Energy Freedom biomass refinery, will start operations in Mason City, Iowa, in 2026 and turn corn stalks annually into second-generation bioethanol and clean lignin. Low-carbon auto-fuel markets will take most of the bioethanol the facility produces, while such clean lignin can be further processed into polymers and binders. Lignin can be used as a replacement for oil products in many industries-manufacturing and road surfacing among others.
International Collaboration between Partners and Researchers
Attention has been given to the potential of NewEnergyBlue’s technology from international companies and top researchers with a desire to scale up production of bioenergy with the commercial sugar and lignin streams from its refineries. Such collaborations are likely to further accelerate innovation in the development of renewable energy solutions.
This will be followed by the construction of a biomass technology campus in Mason City that can host research and development activities. This will, in turn, enhance collaboration among industries involved and academia in biomass conversion technology improvement, as well as in finding novel uses for the by-products of that process.
Leading the Way to Renewable Energy
Along with the acquisition of the Inbicon technology, NewEnergyBlue positions itself at the forefront of the renewable energy sector. It works for the replacement of fossil fuels in major transport and manufacturing industries that are extremely harmful to the environment.
The technology of the company thereby contributes not only to renewable energy generation but also to the global efforts on reduction of carbon emissions, contributing to climate change control. Minimum utilization of agricultural waste feedstock reduces harmful resource extraction, such as mining, which is detrimental to life; this further results in lowering the overall carbon footprint from energy generation.
In addition, with the clean lignin it will produce, NewEnergyBlue provides a renewable alternative to oil-based products, opening up new avenues for greener manufacturing processes. This transition from fossil-based materials toward renewables is one of the important steps toward a circular economy in which waste materials are turned into valuable resources.
Scaling Sustainable Infrastructure in the U.S. and Beyond
Meanwhile, NewEnergyBlue envisions going well beyond Iowa in the future by creating a network of biomass refineries throughout other areas in the country and the world where agricultural waste is plentiful. NewEnergyBlue aspires to scale operations and commercialize technology for the global, broad-based adoption of renewable biofuels and sustainable materials.
In its expansion process, NewEnergyBlue is aligning with international partners who share its commitment to sustainability. Such partnerships are bound to provide NewEnergyBlue with the resources and expertise required in order to execute its goals toward accelerating a transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
Conclusion
NewEnergyBlue’s purchase of the biomass conversion technology of Inbicon is quite a major milestone for the company in its mission of replacing fossil fuels with renewable ones. By taking organic waste generated by agriculture and adding a little magic through biomass conversion technology, the company is well positioned to be among the world leaders in sustainable operations that will seriously reduce the carbon footprint in many major industries. In addition, when the plant in Mason City opens, NewEnergyBlue is going to play an even greater role in the future of renewable energy.
Source: NewEnergyBlue