Finland's VTT helping develop cellulose-based ethanol in Brazil

The VTT Technical Research Center of Finland is helping the Odebrecht conglomerate develop biomass-processing technology in Brazil. The Odebrecht conglomerate is one of the southern hemisphere’s largest enterprises, and it is currently making preparations for second-generation ethanol production at a demonstration plant. VTT is Odebrecht’s research partner.
VTT has significant experience in the development of biomass-processing technology, particularly in the Brazilian sugar cane biomass processing industry. VTT’s research center in Brazil has been granted BRL10 million (US$4.4 million) in funding by the PAISS program for the development of production technology at Odebrecht’s new demonstration plant.
The project will combine cellulose-based second-generation ethanol production with first-generation ethanol production and integrate these with electricity production.
PAISS is a program stimulating the reform of the sugar-based energy and chemical sectors. It was established by the Brazilian Development Bank BNDES and the Brazilian organization financing technology and innovation projects known as FINEP.
VTT cooperates with local companies and research institutes in using biomass as a resource in the production of chemicals, energy and cellulose-based products. VTT Brazil, established in 2010, is a research center that cooperates with Finnish companies operating in Brazil, and with local universities and research institutes.
(May 8, 2013)