Page 11 - Biorefinery 2030 Future Prospects for the Bioeconomy (2015)

x Executive Summary

mobilised, and gives the site industrial dynamism, with more than 20 million euros
invested annually and a strategic vision that encompasses the globe.

An Exceptional Site

Of the five leading European integrated biorefineries, Bazancourt-Pomacle has the
highest capacity, from the laboratory (test-tube) to industrial-scale production
thanks to its pilots and industrial demonstrators: this process is recognised today
by most experts, industrials and investors as being essential.
We can therefore justifiably claim that this study of the historical, economic,
managerial, institutional and ecological aspects of Bazancourt-Pomacle, as well as
of its future perspectives, is a pioneering study.
The authors consider the study of Bazancourt-Pomacle to be that of a possible
“precursor” in the industrial bioeconomy although, of course, it is impossible to
predict its future, given the numerous conditions that will have to be combined and
aligned to ensure its future success. Nonetheless, it would be perfectly reasonable to
target the construction of 400 biorefineries in the United States and Europe over the
next 20–25 years (10 times current European capacity) to achieve 10 % of chemical
and petrochemical production in the form of bio-based products.

Promising Future Perspectives (Chap. 4)

Indeed, in the specific case of Bazancourt-Pomacle, the prospects until 2030 are
promising following three local but world-scale events that took place during the
first half of 2014. These events confirm the first fruits of a genuine knowledge
2
economy: the acquisition of SOLIANCE by a multinational group (GIVAUDAN),
3
the ability BIODEMO demonstrator (ARD) to attract some of the world’s most
promising start-ups (Global Bioenergies) and the success of the industrial second
generation experimental biofuel FUTUROL, 4 which exceeded the initial
expectations of its major shareholders.
For this knowledge economy and this exceptional local network of competencies
to prosper, the new Centre of Excellence in White Biotechnologies, made up of
three academic chairs and the University of Reims Champagne Ardenne will have
to gain momentum, to work effectively with industrials and the schools from which
it originated, become more strongly multidisciplinary, encourage feelings of pride
in its members, and develop a suitable governance structure. The governance of the
whole group (integrated biorefinery, local players) will have to adjust to these new
dimensions by giving itself resources based on strategic foresight, investment

2
Producer of cosmetic ingredients.
3
Demonstrator.
4
Industrial second generation ethanol pilot.