Solena Group, Inc. today announced that it has signed a letter of intent with Rentech, Inc. (NYSE AMEX: RTK) for the use of Rentech's proprietary Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthetic fuel technology in Solena's sustainable BioJetFuel project – GreenSky - in the United Kingdom.
The facility will convert more than 500,000 metric tonnes of waste biomass feedstock into synthesis gas every year, using Solena's proprietary plasma gasification technology ("BioSynGas"). The BioSynGas will then be processed by Rentech's Fischer-Tropsch technology into 16 million gallons of sustainable synthetic jet fuel ("BioJetFuel") and nine million gallons of BioNaphtha. The facility will also export more than 20 megawatts of baseload renewable power to the grid after powering the entire facility with clean electricity.
Rentech has already completed a preliminary engineering study to help facilitate the integration of the Rentech FT Process into the project.
Beginning 2012, all airlines will be included in the European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme, requiring them to reduce their CO2 emissions or purchase additional carbon allowances. Separately, the International Air Transport Association has voluntarily agreed to a 50% emission cut of 2005 levels, by 2050. As the project will deliver a reduction of over two million tones of CO2, including 145,000 tonnes from the replacement of conventional kerosene-based fuel (a reduction of 95%), it has the potential to make a significant difference to airlines.
Dr. Robert T. Do, CEO of Solena, stated, "Solena is delighted to have Rentech as a technology provider to what will be Europe's first commercial scale sustainable BioJetFuel facility. We welcome them to the GreenSky consortium. Rentech's iron-based catalyst Fischer-Tropsch process is an ideal fit for Solena's proprietary gasification solution. Bringing the two technologies together will allow us to create a truly sustainable drop-in jet fuel with the potential to transform the aviation industry."
D. Hunt Ramsbottom, President and CEO of Rentech, stated, "Rentech is excited to participate in this first-of-its-kind sustainable BioJetFuel project. Airlines will soon be included in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and Rentech is one of the few companies whose synthetic fuel technology can provide solutions to help reduce the financial and environmental impact of this legislation on the airline industry. Renewable jet fuel such as Rentech's certified, renewable, low-carbon synthetic jet fuel is one of the only options airlines have to reduce the carbon footprint of their fleets."
The project is expected to create 1,000 construction phase jobs and 200 full-time positions during operation. Solena's proprietary gasification technology is fuel flexible and will utilize waste biomass normally destined for landfill.
Solena has identified potential sites for the project in East London and is in discussions with various funding sources to finance the project. Construction of the facility is expected to begin in 2012, with the plant anticipated to be operational by 2014.
Contacts:
Solena Group, Inc.
Brian Milosky
001-202-68-22-405
milosky@solenagroup.com