The eyes of the world are on Freiberg

In Freiberg, Saxony, the next stage on the way to sustained mobility has been initiated. The building phase of the first commercially operated demonstration plant for synthetic biofuel has been completed. In the presence of German chancellor Angela Merkel, the chairman of Volkswagen, Dr. Martin Winterkorn, and around 130 representatives from business and politics, the so-called beta facility belonging to Choren Industries was commissioned.

In future, an average of 18 million litres of diesel fuel will be produced from biomass (Biomass-to-Liquid, BtL) at Choren. Great hopes are being placed in this fuel in particular in view of global climate protection. “The example of Freiberg shows that progress is possible in the development of climate-friendly technologies if politicians, business and science work together hand in hand,” said Chancellor Merkel emphasising the importance of German involvement in climate protection.

SunDiesel® does not endanger food supplies 
Second-generation synthetic bio fuels are more climate friendly than their predecessors from the first generation. They include biodiesel made from rapeseed and ethanol made from corn and sugarcane. Both have faced criticism because using the plants for fuel production could lead to a global food shortage and an increase in food prices. The BtL that Volkswagen calls SunDiesel® is, however, very importantly not in competition with food production. Straw, old wood and waste wood, for example, are sufficient for SunDiesel®.

The new facility will be started up in stages. All 113 subsystems in 26 main operating units will be put into operation individually and in combination. It will therefore take several months before the first drop of fuel has been produced. To reach this important moment on the way to progressive independence from crude oil, no less than 1,200 process steps are necessary.

Choren is being supported in this very decisive phase by oil giant Shell, who, like carmakers Volkswagen and Daimler, hold a stake in Choren. Shell boss Rob Routs explained: “Shell is committed to a secure, affordable and sustainable energy supply in the future. We are working both on making fossil fuels more efficient and on development of alternative fuels. With our investment in next generation biofuels, such as the BtL fuel from Choren, Shell is driving innovation in low-carbon fuels for sustainable mobility.”

Volkswagen backing faster independence from crude oil
BtL represents an important component in the fuel and drive strategy of Volkswagen. “We want to move away from oil towards regenerative energy sources with positive side effects. Second generation biofuels can help us here,” says Dr. Martin Winterkorn. “For a while now, Volkswagen has been calling for and backing second-generation biofuels that have an excellent environmental balance, help the engine with optimum combustion and do not pose any competition to food production,” Winterkorn continues.

His counterpart from Choren, Tom Blades, adds: “In the development, production and marketing of BtL, it is an inestimable advantage for Choren to have experienced companies like Shell, Daimler and Volkswagen as partners and shareholders at its side.”

Major contribution to environment and business
The former State Premier of Saxony Georg Milbradt praised the fact that the innovative tradition of fuel research in Freiberg is continuing at Choren. “A method for producing petrol from coal was once developed here, now the same feat is being performed with the raw material wood. The result is a sustainable, clean and economic biofuel without the social or ecological side effects of bioethanol,” said Milbradt at the opening. “Today marks an important step on the way to a sustained and safe energy supply for Saxony, Germany and the world.”

As early as 2002, Choren and Volkswagen looked into the usage possibilities, economy and energy balance of BtL together with Daimler. SunDiesel® is an extremely pure fuel that is completely free of sulphur and aromatics and burns with an extremely low level of harmful substances. The existing infrastructure can be used for its transport and storage. Furthermore the fuel is fully compatible with today’s and also future diesel engine technology.

You will find more information at www.volkswagen-umwelt.de and www.choren.com