On 19th February 2018, Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant (BBEPP) in Ghent, Belgium hosted an event to celebrate their new state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment for companies that want to scale up bio-based processes at an industrial scale.
An investment of €9,36 million was made to BBEPP inaugurated by Europe, Flanders, Province of East-Flanders and the City of Ghent. The money was to go towards the new research infrastructure for gas fermentation and downstream processing that will make Flanders the worldwide testbed for innovative and sustainable technologies.
Gas fermentation is an innovative technology for converting waste gases such as CO2 and syngas into a wide range of chemicals using micro-organisms. It is a sustainable technology with great potential to stop global warming.
The event saw an outstanding 700 participants attend, confirming the need for such facilities that help industry to develop more environmentally friendly and efficient processes.
The task force at BBEPP also plays a huge role in the Rehap project as they are responsible for upscaling the extraction of tannin and lignin from bark residues for the evaluation of bio-based resins in the Rehap project. The new, larger equipment will increase the capacity two-fold. (A more detailed description of BBEPP's involvement with Rehap can be found on the Rehap website)
Flemish Minister for Economy and Innovation Philippe Muyters:
The need for this new scale-up infrastructure was clear: companies are anxious to work with the Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant. Understandably, as this pilot plant lowers barriers for companies in two ways. They are a key factor for developing innovative processes at an industrial scale, helping companies to avoid risky investments. Even better is that they are also an ideal promoter of cooperation: companies, research centres and other partners meet in the pilot plant and are encouraged to think together about sustainable solutions for the bio-based economy.
Christophe Peeters, Schepen voor Innovatie van de Stad Gent:
The Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant is an important link in the bio-based ecosystem of Ghent and is crucial for the further development of Ghent as a knowledge region and the expansion of our very strong cleantech and biotech cluster. The conversion of waste materials into raw materials and the closing of production loops are cornerstones for a sustainable innovation policy: in view of the importance of this pilot facility, the City of Ghent is happy to co-invest in its expansion.
Martine Verhoeve, Gedeputeerde van de Provincie Oost-Vlaanderen:
From the very beginning in 2009, the provincial government strongly supported the construction of the pilot plant. We strongly believed in the potential of pilot infrastructure for the bio-based economy. Today, it is fantastic to see how the pilot plant is supported by many partners and realises unique collaborations. We have every reason to be proud of such a state-of-the-art research infrastructure in our region.
