Süd-Chemie and Linde To Develop Second-Generation Biofuel Plants
06 May 2008
Süd-Chemie AG, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of catalysts and adsorbents, and Linde Group, a world leading gases and engineering company, have agreed to co-operate on an exclusive basis to develop and market plants for the production of second-generation biofuels.
Süd-Chemie will be contribute its expertise in biocatalysis and bioprocess engineering, and Linde, through it subsidiary Linde-KCA-Dresden, will provide engineering expertise in the areas of biotechnology and chemistry.
This partnership will be available to assist potential customers, such as ethanol producers and other companies in the industrial or agricultural sectors, as well as investors interested in second-generation biofuel plants, in planning and constructing these plants on a worldwide scale.
This co-operation with Linde is of major strategic importance for Süd-Chemie as we intend to bundle our activities even more closely in this highly-attractive market of the future. The aim is to successfully develop to market maturity economic plants for climate-friendly biofuels that offer a high level of energy efficiency.
—Dr. Günter von Au, Managing Board Chairman of Süd-Chemie AG
This is a good partnership. I would expect to see Monsanto, ADM and others partnering with cellulose ethanol companies. If you think about the business model for cellulose ethanol, they are very dependent on biomass contracts. The Georgia plant is using forest biomass and has made a deal, but how about all the farms in the Great Plains states and the organization and planning that needs to take place there?
I would say that if and when they get into this, they will try to corner the market with their patented seeds. Selling super seeds to farmers and suing them if them do not adhere to the contract. It is time for them all to take a more cooperative approach and get rid of the hard ball tactics. There is enough profit to go around for all of them. As you make the pie larger, each piece gets bigger. Even if you only care about yourself, it is wise to work together. Farmers can really make a bundle in fuel cooperatives with biofuels and seeds companies. Maybe we could roll back some of those farm subsidies after that and all save some money.
Posted by: SJC | 06 May 2008 at 11:31 AM
if they get paid for making super seeds, then they will work at it, if the get paid a lot then they will redouble their efforts.. and we get superseeds and everyone benefits.
Posted by: Herm | 06 May 2008 at 05:22 PM
What would be necessary are genetically modified plants which are able to use more CO2 and less water for their growth.
Is there anyone researching on this specific line?
Posted by: Mad Max | 07 May 2008 at 12:13 AM