VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland exports its expertise as a developer
of biomass processing technology to Brazil. Odebrecht, a conglomerate and one
of the southern hemisphere's largest enterprises, is making preparations for
second generation ethanol production and plans to construct a demonstration
plant. VTT acts as Odebrecht's research partner, tasked with developing the
technology used in the company's processes.
VTT makes use of its experience in the development of biomass processing
technology, applying it to the Brazilian sugar cane biomass processing
industry. VTT's research centre in Brazil has been granted BRL 10 million
(about EUR 3.8 million) in funding by the PAISS programme, which supports the
Brazilian sugar-energy industry reform, for the development of production
technology for Odebrecht's new demonstration plant.
The development project is aimed at combining cellulose-based second
generation ethanol production with first generation ethanol production and
integrating these with electricity production.
The provider of the funding, PAISS, is a programme stimulating the reform of
the sugar-based energy and chemical sectors, established by the Brazilian
Development Bank BNDES and the Brazilian organization financing technology and
innovation projects FINEP.
VTT exports its expertise to Brazil especially in the role of a developer of
biomass processing technology. VTT cooperates with local companies and
research institutes in the use of biomass as a resource in the production of
chemicals, energy and cellulose-based products. VTT Brasil, established in
2010, is a research centre that cooperates with Finnish companies operating in
Brazil, and with local universities and research institutes.
