Biomass Utilization

Biomass is a renewable energy source that can be utilized by the Rentech-SilvaGas biomass gasifier and the Rentech Process to ultimately produce renewable ultra-clean synthetic diesel or jet fuels that are virtually aromatic and sulfur free, as well as renewable specialty chemicals and power.

The use of biomass resources by our process for the production of synthetic fuels, chemicals and power has the potential to greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Biomass resources such as forestry waste (bark, branches, waste wood, sawdust and stumps), agricultural waste (corn stover, straw and bagasse), municipal solid waste (garbage, lawn and tree clippings, and sewage sludge), algae and energy crops (jatropha) can be used by the Rentech Process for the production of renewable energy products.

When our process uses waste streams for the production of synthetic fuels or power, our technology can help solve waste management issues. For instance, the production of these renewable energy products from municipal solid waste could extend the life of existing landfills while eliminating the production of harmful landfill gases. The resulting renewable energy products could have a carbon neutral or even carbon negative footprint.

Our synthetic fuels and chemicals facilities can be designed to use biomass as the sole feedstock or as a co-feed with fossil feedstocks to reduce the carbon footprint of large-scale production facilities. Standalone biomass facilities could generate carbon dioxide credits under legislation such as Assembly Bill 32: the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.

We have entered into two investment agreements with biomass gasification technology companies. These agreements each represent major steps forward in Rentech's strategy of offering integrated solutions for the conversion various types or urban and rural biomass feedstocks into high-value energy products such as renewable synthetic jet and diesel fuels and renewable electric power.

We acquired SilvaGas Corporation and its commercial-scale biomass gasification technology, which converts a variety of biomass feedstocks into synthesis gas.

Rentech plans to develop projects and offer licensing opportunities that use the Rentech-SilvaGas biomass gasification technology and the Rentech Process for production of synthetic fuels and power, or separately for applications such as stand-alone renewable electric power facilities or natural gas substitution.

We have also acquired a 25% ownership interest in ClearFuels Technology Inc. (ClearFuels), a bio-energy gasification and project development company. ClearFuels will install its biomass gasifier at our Product Demonstration Unit. ClearFuels has also signed multiple licensing agreements for use of the Rentech Process at bio-energy facilities under development by ClearFuels.

Please visit our feedstock page for more information on the flexibility of our technology to use essentially any carbon-bearing material to produce ultra-clean synthetic fuels, specialty waxes and chemicals as well as power.