Strategic Acquisition Expands NewEnergyBlue’s Global Operations
NewEnergyBlue, a leader in clean technology and biomass refineries, has announced a groundbreaking acquisition of Inbicon’s advanced biomass-conversion technology and its international patent portfolio from Ørsted, the renowned renewable energy company based in Denmark. This strategic move significantly broadens NewEnergyBlue’s operational scope on a global scale, encompassing full ownership of Inbicon’s technology and global licensing rights. Previously, licensing was restricted to the Americas, marking a substantial expansion of NewEnergyBlue’s capabilities and influence in the global market.
Harnessing Global Biomass for Sustainable Solutions
NewEnergyBlue’s President, Albury Fleitas, highlighted the profound impact of this acquisition: “Around the globe, billions of tons of botanical waste are left behind after harvests. From corn stalks in America and wheat straw in Canada and Europe to sugar bagasse in Brazil and India, there is an abundance of feedstocks waiting to be transformed. Furthermore, perennial grasses from arid regions offer new opportunities for biomass utilization. This acquisition positions us to harness these resources effectively, turning them into next-generation renewables and advancing our efforts to replace fossil fuels and chemicals.”
Cutting-Edge Biomass Refinery Technology
The Inbicon technology, developed in Denmark over the past 25 years, will be seamlessly integrated into NewEnergyBlue’s biomass refineries. This pioneering technology enables precise control of process thermodynamics and chemical reactions, eliminating the need for caustic additives and resulting in one of the process’s by-products being clean water. Such innovation aligns with global environmental and sustainability goals, supporting the transition towards greener industrial practices. Inbicon’s technology has proven its efficacy through multiple scale-ups, with the inaugural biomass refinery opening in Kalundborg, Denmark, in 2009, where it processed local wheat straw and demonstrated the commercial viability of second-generation (2G) ethanol for reducing carbon emissions in both automotive and aviation fuels.
Future Developments and Strategic Objectives
NewEnergyBlue’s forthcoming New Energy Freedom biomass refinery, scheduled to commence operations in 2026 in Mason City, Iowa, represents a significant milestone. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to annually convert corn stalks into 2G bioethanol and clean lignin. The bioethanol produced will be directed towards low-carbon auto-fuel markets, while the clean lignin will be utilized in the production of sustainable plastics for Dow Chemical. This strategic development aims to advance both biofuel and bioplastic technologies, supporting broader sustainability goals and addressing global energy needs.
Global Interest and Strategic Growth
The acquisition has generated substantial interest from international companies and researchers eager to leverage the commercial sugar and lignin streams from NewEnergyBlue’s refineries. Following the commissioning of the Mason City facility, NewEnergyBlue plans to establish a dedicated biomass tech campus at Freedom, fostering innovation, research, and collaboration in the field of renewable energy.
Commitment to Sustainable Energy Solutions
Fleitas concluded, “Our commitment is to eliminate fossil fuels from our energy sources, replace oil-derived products in plastics, and mitigate atmospheric heat. By forming strategic partnerships with global entities that possess significant financial resources, agility, and visionary leadership, we aim to drive forward our mission for a cleaner, greener future. Our focus is on creating impactful, sustainable solutions that address both current and future energy challenges, ensuring a positive and lasting environmental impact.”
