Chemists André and Eric Heeres (Hanze University of Applied Sciences and University of Groningen respectively) identified the most promising biobased chemicals that can be produced around Delfzijl, using reagents that are already present on a large scale. “It is one part of the circular, green transition that we are aiming for in the Northern Netherlands,” said André Heeres.
“Much more is possible in this region. For example, we can look further into modifications of local biomass with reagents that are not yet available in Delfzijl, into enzymatic and fermentation processes to convert biomass into chemical building blocks and into electrochemistry, the direct modification of biomass with electricity. Looking a little further, you could also discuss biomass or CO2 as a raw material in combination with the hydrogen that will soon be produced in Delfzijl. We are also working on the conversion of waste plastics into aromatics that can serve as new chemical building blocks.”
There are plenty of opportunities for the further development of green chemistry in the Northern Netherlands. “This is a great way of connecting the academic complex around Groningen and the industrial complex around Delfzijl”, said Errit Bekkering of Chemport Europe, that will further develop the propositions together with Groningen Seaports and the Northern Development Company NOM.
The article about biobased opportunities for the Northern Netherlands appeared in the Agro & Chemie of June 2020.
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Image: Chemport Europe
