Praj has been awarded the second phase contract for the wheat and beet based bio-ethanol plant for Biowanze SA, a subsidiary of CropEnergies AG (a Sudzucker Group Company), through De Smet S.A. Engineers & Contractors, EPC contractor engaged by Biowanze for the project. The contract value is close to Rs. 65 crores (Euro 11.502 million).

The second phase involves supply of equipment for the core bio-ethanol process plant comprising liquefaction, fermentation, multi-pressure distillation, dehydration and vinasse evaporation.

Euro 5.4 billion Sudzucker Group, with 44 sugar factories spread across Europe, is the largest sugar producer in Europe. CropEnergies AG is also one of the leading producers of bio-ethanol in Europe.

“Europe is experiencing growth in Ethanol Plant installation. Praj has already made headway in the European Ethanol Industry with orders from British Sugar and Suedzucker group in Western Europe as well as from companies in Eastern Europe for technology and critical equipment. Going forward, we see a lot of potential, particularly in light of the recent endorsement of Biofuels Policy by European Council”, said Mr. Anil Deshpande, President, European Operations.

(Note: In the first phase, the contract included Licence, Basic Engineering and other Services for their proposed 300,000 cubic meters Bio-ethanol Complex at Wanze in Belgium. The first phase of the order value was Euro 2 million (approx. Rs. 11 crores).

European Council endorses 10% share of biofuels in all road transports by 2020

On March 9, 2007, the European Council endorsed the policy proposal of the European Commission that there should be at least a 10% share of biofuels in all road transport fuel by 2020 in all EU Member States. The target is binding on all EU Member States. This step is expected to combat climate change and bring down substantially GH emissions from road transport. The new target is seen to make many announced projects feasible. It is also expected to trigger new investments in demonstration plants for more cost-efficient production of bioethanol that at the same time will contribute to better GHG performance of this green fuel.

The Council has now asked the Commission to present this year a proposal for a new comprehensive renewable energy Directive. eBIO, a non-profit European Industry Association based in Brussels, is hoping that the Commission will also consider to write into the Directive proposal an interim target for 2015, helping the industry to plan the investments needed to achieve the 10% target by 2020.

The Commission has proposed a 20% reduction in Greenhouse gases by 2020.

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About Praj

Praj is a global Indian company that offers innovative solutions to significantly add value in alcohol and brewery technology and related wastewater treatment systems for customers in India and around the world. Praj is a Knowledge based company with expertise and experience in Bioprocesses and engineering. It delivers Know how, License, engineering design, plant & equipment, project management, commissioning and customer care and turnkey projects. Led by an accomplished and caring leadership, Praj is a socially responsible corporate citizen.

Contact
Vinati Moghe
Praj Industries
Email: vinatimoghe@praj.net
Phone: 9960 680906

Urvashi Kadam / Anu Soman
Genesis Burson-Marsteller
Email: urvashi.kadam@bm.com / anu.soman@bm.com
Phone: 9923 590387/ 9850 837393 /6520 3894