Published on March 12, 2014
Germany based chemical firms joint forces of Clariant, Haltermann and Mercedes-Benz have introduced a fuel of future to the streets in a fleet test in Germany using cellulosic ethanol which is a legitimately advanced bio-fuel of the latest generation. This chemical is produced from agricultural residues in Germany and is produced by the Clariant sunliquid process using wheat straw as a feedstock.
At an amalgamation rate of 20%, this fleet test will be a demonstration that the fuel is completely ready for the market and is technically attuned with in the series vehicles.
Under this project, one of the leading chemical producers of Europe Haltermann who supplies high purity refinery chemicals used in the automotive, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, will take the cellulosic ethanol produced by the Clariant and mix it with conventional fuel components to form the new fuel. Over the next 12 months, the new fuel will be available to test fleet vehicles at a specially equipped gas station on the Mercedes-Benz site in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim.
When compared to gasoline, the production of cellulosic ethanol is virtually CO2-neutral saving nearly 100% of CO2 productions. With consistent engine power, the sunliquid®20 is 20% cellulosic ethanol which is the well-to-wheel assessment shows reductions in greenhouse gas productions of around 20%.
This cellulosic ethanol comes from sunliquid demonstration plant operated by Clariant in Straubing. The company produces nearly 4500 tons of agricultural residues such as grain straw and corn stovers which are converted into cellulosic ethanol every year. Further the bio ethanol is mixed with selected components to form the innovative fuel at the Haltermann plant in Hamburg. This specification reflects the potential European E20 fuel quality.
The main task of these chemical firms is to shape solutions for sustainable mobility of the future. However, this reveals that the second generation bio-fuels based on agricultural residues are currently available and are technologically ready not only in production but application as well.
