Wanze, Belgium – In the sustainable energy industry, BIOWANZE and VYNCKE have emerged as pioneers. November of 2023 saw BIOWANZE inaugurating their VYNCKE biomass boiler at their Wanze site. This project marks a significant step forward for BIOWANZE, increasing its use of green energy from 65% to 90%, achieving one of the company’s goals well before the 2029 deadline it had set itself. This significant step was made possible through the collaboration with VYNCKE, a global player in biomass-to-energy technology.
TAKING ONE STEP CLOSER TO 100% CLEAN ENERGY
Founded in 2008 in Wanze, Belgium, BIOWANZE is the country’s largest producer of bioethanol, catering mostly to the fuel sector. The company also produces ProtiWanze, a high-protein, high-quality animal feed, as well as biogenic carbon dioxide, which is used in beverage products. BIOWANZE is part of the German company CROPENERGIES GROUP, one of Europe’s leading producers of bioethanol and itself a member of the SÜDZUCKER GROUP, Europe’s largest sugar refiner.
“Sustainable, renewable products from biomass – that’s the mission of the BIOWANZE team”, according to the company’s website. With this mission in mind, BIOWANZE set itself the goal of achieving 90% sustainable energy by 2029.
To achieve this, a first biomass boiler fueled by wheat bran, a waste product from the plant’s processes, has been producing enough green energy to run the entire plant since its launch, with surplus energy to feed back into the public grid.
Taking another step towards a sustainable future, BIOWANZE chose to work together with VYNCKE for the commissioning of another biomass boiler. This second boiler was inaugurated in November 2023, with Walloon minister of Economy, Willy Borsus and minister of Climate & Energy, Philippe Henry both in attendance.
VYNCKE’S SOLUTION
To further BIOWANZE’s target for renewable energy, VYNCKE installed a second biomass boiler at the site in Wanze. The massive 28 by 55 meters boiler is fired by wood waste, wood pellets, and miscanthus. This diversification of fuels optimized energy efficiency while reducing the plant’s carbon footprint, saving around 76,000 tons of CO2 every year. The plant acquires its wood waste from within close proximity, promoting local economy and shortening transport times. This in turn reduces the company’s transport-related carbon footprint.
The combustion system needed to be flexible enough to accommodate for the varying proportions of the fuel, contributing 50 tons per hour in parallel with BIOWANZE’s other boiler for a total production of 125 tons per hour of superheated steam at 528°C. To achieve such a high temperature, VYNCKE installed an external superheater. The steam capacity is enough to generate 22 megawatts of electricity, and to deliver steam to all of BIOWANZE’s production processes.
The project was a major investment for BIOWANZE, allocating the substantial sum of €54 million. However, by utilizing the clean energy generated from its two biomass boilers, the plant is able to rely more and more on renewable energy, which strengthens its resilience in the face of fluctuating gas prices, and ensures long-term financial stability.
Concerning the collaboration with VYNCKE, Pierre ETIENNE (Biowanze Director) noted that “Biowanze’s strategic objective is to supply the plant exclusively with green energy via two biomass boilers” and that Vyncke was “the perfect partner for this ambitious 100% made-in-Belgium project, combining technology, flexibility, rigor and innovation”.
FUTURE PLANS
The inauguration of the second biomass boiler has propelled BIOWANZE well ahead of its schedule, increasing its use of green energy from 65% to 90% years before the 2029 deadline. However, BIOWANZE is not stopping there. The company is already exploring solutions for the remaining 10% of its energy needs (e.g. by looking into the production of biogas from residues).
With the support of partners like VYNCKE, BIOWANZE is on its way to becoming a leader in green energy autonomy. The BIOWANZE and VYNCKE collaboration underscores the importance of such initiatives for a sustainable future. It serves as a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in shaping a more sustainable future.
Want to find out more? Check out these articles:
https://www.biowanze.be/en/sustainability
90% d’énergie verte pour alimenter Biowanze – RTC Télé Liège
BioWanze invests €54 million to near zero-carbon status (investinwallonia.be)