biodiesel power plants

Biofuels “The confidence is gone”

LEIPZIG / MZ. The view from his office is fantastic: from 17 Floor of the former Leipzig University high-rise overlooking Claus Sauter on the rooftops of the city and the New Town Hall. “I remain very little time to enjoy the view,” the head of the biofuel producer Verbio says, smiling. But while he was busy in recent years, especially with keeping the company on track, he does they are more concerned about the expansion.
Sauter believes that the market for biofuels in the next couple of years to grow strongly. Starting in January, no fuel in Germany with up to ten percent bioethanol on the market to advance climate protection. So far, only five percent of biofuel be blended into gasoline. “The business is expected to double at a stroke,” says Sauter. Verbio will benefit from it. Finally, the publicly traded company based in Zörbig (District Anhalt-Bitterfeld), but the administration is in Leipzig, one of the biggest biofuel producer. From plant materials such as canola and wheat – these are of inferior quality of grain – can be in the works Zörbig, Bitterfeld and Schwedt (Brandenburg) annually up to 450 000 tonnes of biodiesel and 300 000 tonnes of bioethanol can be produced. In 2009 the company generated sales with 411 employees, half a billion euros. “Our plants are running again with a heavy load,” says Sauter. Verbio will write in 2010 in the black.

And it gets better: The Federal Government is reinforced in its energy strategy on biofuels. Despite the expected market growth of the company president but for now will not build new plants in Germany. Eastern Europe is rather interesting. The reason: “The confidence in political promises is gone,” says Sauter.

The young industry has difficult years behind him. From 2000 to 2007 were built in Germany in many oil mills for low tax on biodiesel. But then were from the then federal government privileges partially deleted and the blending of biofuels as planned expanded. Cheap foreign imports from the U.S. also urged to Europe. Added to this was a loss of image: biofuels made 2008 responsible for rising global food prices. The German market collapsed and then literally with him many of the medium-sized manufacturers.

“We are one of the few independent suppliers in Germany, which have survived,” said Sauter. The biodiesel business was now dominated by four major international agricultural trading companies. Verbio had a market share of ten percent. When the great German bioethanol sugar producers in South and North are leading sugar. Verbio was the number three. Sauter’s teaching: “We want to be independent of political decisions.”

Last Verbio has taken over the country Märka dealers, thus securing a direct access to European farmers. “The fluctuating commodity prices are a problem for the industry and the farmers,” said Sauter. Through long-term contracts could benefit both sides. A competition between biofuel and food production, environmental groups complain many looks, not the entrepreneurs in Germany. In any case, is the Verbio boss expects that in future more straw, wood residue or manure for the biofuel production can be used. “Technically, we are able to today, but it pays off financially or not,” said Sauter. He is counting on the production of biogas. Verbio has Zörbig and Schwedt combines the bioethanol plant with a biogas fermentation. Around 80 million € were invested for it. “We use the waste products from the production of bioethanol to produce biogas. This significantly increases the ecological balance,” said Sauter. From one hectare of land could double the energy produced.

The Verbio boss expects that natural gas will in future be used more as fuel. Expect this in many automotive experts: there is an advanced engine technology and CO emissions would be minimized significantly.

Investors Sauter has apparently already convinced. Since the lows in shares in summer 2009, the share price – although from a low base – more than quadrupled.

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