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Production of biofuels from crops and oils
Published on 13 May 2019
Slovakia
Západné Slovensko
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About this good practice
The Envien Group is the largest group interconnecting the most significant biofuel producers in Slovakia. Production plants in Slovakia are located in Leopoldov: (1) ENVIRAL, Ltd. is a company producing bioethanol from maize by fermentation process; (2) MEROCO, Ltd. is a company producing biodiesel from rapeseed oil, used cooking oil (UCO) and other oils that are pre-treated and by transesterification process modified to FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester, biodiesel); and (3) Poľnoservis, Ltd. which produces rapeseed oil by pressing and extraction of rapeseed seeds.
Mentioned production plants represent a waste-free production system, since each main product together with related production side-streams have market application. Main biofuel products are blended to obtain conventional mixtures of diesel and gasoline for the Slovak market and abroad; side-streams from production are used mainly for feeding (pelleted feed – DDGS – Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles), or as a co-substrate for biogas production in biogas plants (lecithin sludge) and other purposes.
Envien Group processes are based on principles of the circular bio-economy– the company successfully reconciles economic development with environmental protection in accordance with EU legislation and Act No. 309/2009 Coll. on promotion of renewable energy sources and high-efficiency combined generation as amended.
Mentioned production plants represent a waste-free production system, since each main product together with related production side-streams have market application. Main biofuel products are blended to obtain conventional mixtures of diesel and gasoline for the Slovak market and abroad; side-streams from production are used mainly for feeding (pelleted feed – DDGS – Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles), or as a co-substrate for biogas production in biogas plants (lecithin sludge) and other purposes.
Envien Group processes are based on principles of the circular bio-economy– the company successfully reconciles economic development with environmental protection in accordance with EU legislation and Act No. 309/2009 Coll. on promotion of renewable energy sources and high-efficiency combined generation as amended.
Resources needed
Envien Group employs more than 420 employees dealing with production as well as experts qualified in logistics necessary for the purchase of commodities, production, distribution and sale of our products. Other team of professionals are engaged in agricultural supply companies of Envien Group.
Evidence of success
The EU Directive sets the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for bioethanol to be 43g CO2eq/MJ. By optimizing the production processes, Envien Group is already achieving 30g CO2eq/MJ, representing over 60% GHG savings compared to fossil fuels. Since 2007 only ENVIRAL, Ltd. has produced more than 1 M m3 of bioethanol, which has replaced almost 750,000 tons of petroleum for the petrol production, thus was saved about 1 M tons of CO2.
Potential for learning or transfer
Envien Group is one of the leading biofuel suppliers in Central Europe. Members put emphasis on the quality and state-of-the-art technology, meeting the strict sustainability requirements and the requirements of the ISCC system. Group communicates with legislators and highlights the necessary policy coherence and correct settings. It delivers only quality products to customers meeting their requirements and legislative certification, while minimizing the waste, thus building an efficient supply chain. The Group develops national and international cooperation with research institutes, academia and NGOs in the field of biotechnology and chemical technology research to increase GHG saving and expand the region´s bio-based circular economy chain.
Regional documents point to the need of introducing similar technologies, since the region offers very good availability of biomass. Therefore, relevant public authorities can use this example while developing another biomass-based value chains.
Regional documents point to the need of introducing similar technologies, since the region offers very good availability of biomass. Therefore, relevant public authorities can use this example while developing another biomass-based value chains.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Envien Group
Slovakia
Západné Slovensko
Contact
Project manager