CropEnergies is a leading European manufacturer of sustainably produced, renewable ethanol, used in the chemical and life sciences industries. At the Zeitz Chemical and Industrial Park, in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt, GETEC has provided a sustainable energy solution for the new CropEnergies ethyl acetate plant.  

The first plant of its kind in Europe will be able to produce 50,000 tons of renewable ethyl acetate per year using renewable energy sources. Ethyl acetate is a solvent used in flexible packaging, coatings, paints and adhesives, as well as in food, beverage, cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications.

Multi-purpose biomass boiler system 

Designed to meet strict sustainability requirements, the new energy solution from GETEC consists of a biomass boiler system with additional steam generators that utilise the residues from liquid and gaseous production. A steam turbine generates the electrical energy required in the plant. The holistic solution includes supplying the production process with compressed air and nitrogen, and using locally-sourced waste wood as biomass fuel. For the plant, GETEC managed the entire project, including permissions, engineering, financing and much more.  

A significant reduction in emissions 

The biomass heating plant reduces CO₂ emissions, which contributes to the overall CO₂ savings of the renewable ethyl acetate of around 50%, compared to the fossil-based product. The project was supported by funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection. Implemented on a contractual basis, the project with GETEC forms a key building block for CropEnergies to meet its sustainability goals.