EU-funded RenewChem project aims to cut emissions with drop-in bioethanol intermediate for chemicals

The RenewChem project, backed by the EU's Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking, is working to scale up a thermochemical catalytic process that turns bioethanol into long-chain alcohols. These can replace petrochemical intermediates in industrial chemical value chains without requiring major changes to existing production lines. The goal is a cost-effective, carbon-negative substitute that helps the European chemical sector meet Green Deal and Net-Zero Industry Act targets. The consortium includes Catalyxx, Evonik, Arkema, and Magfi. Over 48 months, the project will design a first-of-a-kind commercial bio-alcohol refinery, integrate feedstock supply and downstream purification, and run independent life-cycle assessments on emissions and costs. Partners held their kick-off meeting in Seville, Spain, and are now setting priorities for the first phase of work.