Eni brings sustainable bioethanol production online

Versalis, Eni's chemical company, has begun producing bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass at its Crescentino facility in northern Italy.

The advanced bioethanol complies with Europe’s revised Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) ­– part of the EU’s ‘Fit for 55’ package which includes an intermediate target of at least a 55% net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 – as it is derived from raw materials that do not interfere with the food chain. It will be used to formulate gasoline with a renewable component.

Capable of processing 200,000 t/y of biomass, with a maximum production capacity of approximately 25,000 t/y of bioethanol, the Crescentino plant is in line with Eni’s sustainable and circularity ambitions under its energy transition strategy. The facility is supplied with renewable electricity and steam from a thermoelectric power plant, which is fed with short supply chain biomass and lignin co-produced by the process. A water treatment plant also enables the production of biogas, which in turn is used to produce steam. In addition, the plant recycles the water used, drastically reducing overall water consumption.

Crescentino bioethanol plant, northern Italy
Photo: Eni