News

• The construction of the plant is advancing, while fully complying with the COVID-19 pandemic precaution measures
• The completion of the plant construction is expected in 2021

Clariant, a focused, sustainable, and innovative specialty chemical company, is progressing well with the construction of its new production plant in Podari, Dolj county. Despite the still challenging situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, work on the construction site is continuing, while numerous precaution measures have been implemented.

“The construction of the sunliquid® commercial scale cellulosic ethanol plant is forging ahead as planned. While we continue to do so, we are fully complying with the COVID-19 pandemic precaution measures and strictly following the regulations established by the authorities. Our highest priority is to protect the health and safety of our employees, of the construction workers on the site, as well as of the local community in which we operate.”, emphasizes Dragoş Gavriluţă, Project Director sunliquid® Romania.

Clariant is making every effort to progress with the construction, also in order to contribute to the post-crisis economic recovery, and to support the local community by creating green jobs in the predominantly rural area of Podari. Around 100 direct jobs will be created in the plant alone. In addition to that, around 300 jobs can be created in connected businesses, e.g. the collection, storage, and transportation of straw.

All preparations of the site have been completed, and about 300 construction workers are currently on the site pouring foundations for various buildings and operation units as well as erecting metal structures. Once operational, the plant will process approx. 250,000 tons of straw and will produce 50,000 tons of cellulosic ethanol. sunliquid® cellulosic ethanol is an advanced, truly sustainable and carbon-neutral biofuel that can readily be used in today’s existing car infrastructure.

Clariant is investing more than EUR 100 million in its first-of-its-kind plant. The project receives more than EUR 40 million in funding from the European Union.

The sunliquid® plant is constructed on a 98,000 sqm area observing the highest technological standards while paying close attention to the comfort and life of the local community. The civil constructor is a Romanian company, and the construction works will involve a team of up to 800 workers in the peak phase.

Current aerial view of the Clariant sunliquid construction site in Podari, Romania (Photo credits: Clariant)