Greenext Energy Europe SA has given Maurel & Prom one month to decide whether to take out a licence for a process involving the enzymatic hydrolysis of wood cellulose in France and countries in which Maurel & Prom operates.

This innovative project involves the production of (2nd generation) cellulosic ethanol. Such production compares very favourably to the current price of oil in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, energy and cost savings.

When implemented, the process will represent a major technological step towards offering a "green" fuel at a price competitive with that of fossil resources. The process uses not only wood by-products but also other raw plant material (straw, elephant grass, etc) and does not compete with traditional agricultural cultivation.

Tags: Maurel & Prom