Biorefining project in Europe receives large funding

The European Commission has approved millions of Euros in aid for a biorefinery research programme.

The Genesys programme will benefit from €39.8 million ($51.2 million) granted by the French government to the PIVERT IEED, an institute working in the field of low carbon energy.

Genesys will aim to use oilseed and lignocellulosic biomass to produce heat and power primarily, but also chemicals and food products.

‘The progress targeted in green chemistry constitutes an ambitious goal in the field of hydrocarbon substitution and reducing CO2 emissions,’ European Commissioner for Competition policy Joaquín Almunia was quoted as saying. ‘The scientific and environmental impact of the Genesys project is undeniable, whereas the distortion of competition will be limited.’

The project is aiming to file around 40 patents on oilseeds and lipids over the next 10 years.