BioBTX, seen as a pioneer in circular technology development, is proud to announce that together with the Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (TU/e), the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (RUG) and with the help of ASQA Subsidies, they received a subsidy of €2,8 million from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) for the implementation and execution of their project, titled: "Production of Renewable and Biobased BTX and Other Sustainable Chemicals from Combined Organic and Circular Inputs." This grant will be used to develop the next stage of the BioBTX technology, to convert mixtures of biomass and plastic waste into valuable drop-in chemicals. The JTF recognizes BioBTX's potential to drive innovation in sustainable practices, contributing to Europe's transition to a climate-neutral future.
The project focuses on the possibilities of developing new technology that allows for the processing of varying input streams of both biomass and plastic waste streams in different compositions and ratios into BTX and other high-value chemicals. Together with the research groups of Professor H.J. Heeres of the University of Groningen, Professor J. A. M. Kuipers and Dr.ir. K.A. Buist of the University of Eindhoven, this unique project will make it possible for BioBTX and its partners to set the next steps in the development and improvement of the BioBTX ICCP technology, both operationally and fundamentally.
The project aligns with the vision of the Ministries of Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK) and Social Affairs and Employment (SZW), as well as the support of municipalities in the Groningen region. Together, they aim to accelerate the energy transition, create a resilient labor market, and promote sustainable practices.
“We are very pleased to be one of the first recipients of the Just Transition Fund grant, which is a significant milestone in our mission to develop state-of-the-art technology for renewable chemicals. This will enable us to contribute actively to the circular economy and make strides in reducing waste while creating sustainable employment opportunities," stated Cor Kamminga, CEO at BioBTX.
Advanced Technology for a Circular Economy
The project's primary focus is to develop technology that efficiently converts biomass and mixed plastic waste into valuable materials. By doing so, BioBTX aims to contribute to a greener future, reduce waste, and drive economic growth in the Groningen region and beyond
Creating Sustainable Solutions
BioBTX's innovative approach to waste conversion and sustainable resource utilization aligns with the JTF's objectives of creating a just and equal energy transition, considering social, economic, and environmental impacts.
The Just Transition Fund
The JTF is a European fund for areas most affected by the transition to a green economy. With it, the European Union aims to reduce socio-economic inequalities. The JTF stems from the European Green Deal, the programme for a climate-neutral Europe by 2050. To achieve this transition in the northern Netherlands, 330 million euros have been pledged until 2027. This and next year (2024) several subsidy schemes will be opened.
Samenwerking
The JTF has been elaborated by the provinces of Groningen, Drenthe and Friesland, the municipality of Emmen and the Labour Market Table North Netherlands (a public cooperation between the three Northern Labour Market Regions - these are the municipality and UWV - and the three northern provinces). Samenwerkingsverband Noord-Nederland (SNN) implements the JTF grants.
Source article and picture: BioBTX
