who we are
About Us
RenewChem is scaling an innovative pathway for producing bioalcohols from renewable ethanol. By bringing proven catalytic technology to industrial scale, the project aims to reduce reliance on fossil feedstocks while providing high-performance, drop-in alternatives for existing chemical value chains. RenewChem bridges the gap between bio-based innovation and industrial deployment. This is done by demonstrating how renewable feedstocks can be transformed into high-value chemicals without requiring fundamental changes to existing infrastructure.
Moving beyond fossil-based chemical production
The European chemical industry remains heavily dependent on fossil feedstocks to produce the materials and chemical building blocks used across countless everyday products. Replacing these resources requires alternatives that are not only renewable, but also scalable, competitive and compatible with industrial requirements.
Many bio-based technologies remain at laboratory or pilot scale. The challenge is turning promising innovation into reliable industrial production that can compete with established fossil-based processes.
Main Objectives
01
Industrial
Scaling
To validate and deploy the industrial production of bioalcohols, demonstrating the transition from innovative technology to commercial-scale manufacturing.
02
Value Chain
Integration
To connect industrial partners across Europe to integrate renewable higher alcohols into existing chemical value chains and applications, reducing dependence on fossil-derived intermediates.
03
Environmental
Impact
Through the production and use of renewable, bio-based alternatives to conventional fossil-derived chemicals, we estimate to avoid approximately 105,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
04
European Industrial
Competitiveness
To mobilise significant private and public investment in Portugal and across Europe, supporting industrial innovation, strengthening European value chains and establishing a new benchmark for sustainable chemical production.
Expected impact
105,000+ tonnes
ESTIMATED ANNUAL CO₂ EMISSIONS REDUCTION
€20 million
EU FUNDING THROUGH THE CIRCULAR BIO-BASED EUROPE JOINT UNDERTAKING (CBE JU)
€75 million+
TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET
48 months
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD
Our Partners
Spain
Coordinator
Driving proprietary thermochemical catalytic technology development and overall project coordination.
Portugal
AFFILIATED ENTITY
Managing the formal affiliate operations and localised development for the Sines bio-based plant.
Germany
BENEFICIARY
Contributing advanced chemical industry expertise and technical integration frameworks.
Where It Happens
RenewChem brings together industrial, technological and communication and dissemination expertise across Portugal, Spain, Germany, France and Malta. Together, the consortium is working to move bio-based chemical production from technological demonstration towards industrial deployment.