In Wanze, Belgium, the CropEnergies subsidiary BioWanze SA operates a next-generation bioethanol plant with an annual production capacity of up to 300,000 m³ of bioethanol. The production process used at Belgium's largest bioethanol plant, represents a further advancement in bioethanol production in Europe. Since October 2010, the bioethanol production is Wanze has been certified as sustainable.

Higher CO2 reductions by using biomass to generate energy
By using biomass as primary energy the plant does justice to the issue of sustainability of biofuels in a very special way as the innovative operating concept means that the bioethanol produced there reduces greenhouse gases by up to 70% compared to fossil fuels. In a biomass power plant - the only one of its kind in Europe so far - the bran from the wheat grains delivered is used to generate a large part of the thermal and electrical energy required in the production process in a climate-friendly manner. Apart from wheat, the Wanze plant can also process sugar syrups, which are supplied from the sugar factory nearby.

The co-products are also processed on the basis of a concept specially adapted to the location. The gluten is separated off and dried. It is a valuable product for the food and animal feed industry. The stillage that is left over after distillation is processed into a high-protein liquid animal feed known as CDS (Condensed Distillers' Solubles) which is marketed under the brand name ProtiWanze®.

The plant in Wanze has direct access to the Maas waterway with outstanding links to the Antwerp-Rotterdam-Amsterdam freight hub and the international markets. Most incoming and outgoing shipments are by waterway.

The Fuel of the Future
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