LANCASTER, Pa. and KAARINA, Finland, Nov. 18, 2024 — NewEnergyBlue, a clean-technology company designing biomass refineries that convert agricultural waste into low-carbon biofuels and biochemicals, and MetGen, a Finnish leader in advanced enzymes and lignin separation, have begun integrating their technologies and operations to compete effectively with fossil fuel-based products on both environmental and economic grounds.
“Combining NewEnergyBlue’s biomass conversion with MetGen’s expertise creates a wider range of valuable, low-carbon biochemicals with minimal waste,” says Alex Michine, MetGen’s founder. “This partnership will provide complete solutions, from raw materials to finished goods, attracting investment for global biomass refinery projects.”
NewEnergyBlue’s first U.S. biomass refinery, slated to open in 2027 in Mason City, Iowa, will process corn stalks to produce 21 million gallons of biofuel and 150,000 tons of clean lignin.
“We excel at breaking down biomass into clean sugars and lignin—the building blocks of plants,” explains Thomas Corle, NewEnergyBlue’s Chairman and CEO. “MetGen’s 18 years of enzyme development offers more economical solutions, along with scalable lignin fractionation technology opening new high-value markets.”
About half of the lignin could be used as a solid binder in asphalt, replacing oil-based bitumen. The remaining lignin would be processed into various liquids: high-performance phenols for sporting goods, toys, and fire-resistant materials; eco-friendly polyols for lightweight insulation; and other components for stronger, weather-resistant, tape-free packaging.
“We are thrilled to use a carbon-neutral process to transform our lignin into various bio-products that can compete with oil-based alternatives,” says Corle. “This significantly boosts refinery revenue and profitability.”
Beyond the economic advantages are substantial environmental benefits. MetGen’s lignin-based products reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to energy production from lignin combustion. This aligns with global climate goals and demonstrates the partners’ dedication to sustainable industry transformation.
“Scaling MetGen’s technology at the Freedom refinery also presents new opportunities for Finland as a strategic center,” notes Matti Heikkila, head of MetGen operations. “We are planning a commercial lignin-to-chemicals project near our Kaarina laboratories for early 2026.”
The lignin will be sourced from Meliora Bio, a Danish refinery using Inbicon bioconversion technology to process wheat straw. MetGen has verified the lignin’s suitability for its separation technologies and plans to explore alternative feedstocks, such as black liquor, and develop new high-value, environmentally friendly products. “This is just the beginning—similar to the early days of the oil industry,” says Heikkila.
Having assisted in Inbicon technology development, NewEnergyBlue recently acquired it from Ørsted. Over the next five years, the plan is to build four more American refineries utilizing Inbicon and MetGen technologies. “For the Midwest, this means job creation in construction and manufacturing, supplemental income for corn farmers, and rural revitalization,” Corle states.
Corle sees new prospects for lignin and pulp refining in pulp-and-paper regions, potentially reviving a struggling sector. Internationally, there is substantial interest in licensing the company’s technology and business model for refining bagasse, corn stalks, wheat and other grain straws, and energy grasses like miscanthus. “Integrating MetGen technologies allows us to present a compelling financial and environmental case.”
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Roger Moore
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SOURCE New Energy Blue