ReSolute uses Circa’s Furacell production process, which converts waste biomass into platform molecule levoglucosenone (LGO) – along with char and water – that can be used to manufacture multiple bio-based chemicals, such as solvent Cyrene, a high-performing alternative to fossil-based solvents n-methylpyrrolidone, dimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide.

Circa and Valmet have worked together over the past six months, upgrading the ReSolute plant to target production of 1,100 t/y of Cyrene and using internal energy supply from the biochar created in the process, which has enhanced the plant’s sustainability profile.

That work has led to the signing of a long-term partnership, under which Valmet aims to be the equipment and process supplier for the biomass handling, pyrolizer and energy production portions, and automation of Circa’s future commercial-scale plants. Valmet has wide experience in fluidized bed boilers and biomass-to-energy systems.

“Establishing strategic relationships with strong industry partners is needed to deliver Circa’s ambitions in the current challenging global environment. We are very pleased to join forces with Valmet, which provides great support for Circa’s growth ambitions and leverages Valmet’s strong focus on driving the green shift. The partnership will focus on executing the ReSolute project, building expertise and allowing the steady development of FC6, our first large-scale commercial plant,” said Circa’s CEO Tony Duncan.

The ReSolute plant is currently under construction in Carling, with commissioning scheduled for 2023. The facility will very closely resemble a small-scale version of the larger-scale FC6 plant on which conceptual engineering should begin in the second half of 2022, Circa said. FC6 is a 5,000 t/y commercial-scale plant producing LGO and Cyrene that will be built with Norske Skog Australasia in Tasmania, Australia. Norske Skog Australasia commissioned a large-scale pilot plant – FC5 – in 2017.

The long-term objective of the Circa-Valmet collaboration is to develop Furacell modules with a capacity of between 10,000-15,000 t/y that are capable of operating separately or in multiples, depending on the availability of local feedstock and supporting infrastructure. Ultimately, Circa’s primary aim is to build a series of plants – the Carling one being the first – that reach a total Cyrene capacity of 80,000 t/y by 2030.

The ReSolute project is funded under the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program and runs for three years, from October 2020 to September 2023.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist