Bio-fuels producer undertakes construction of multi-million agro-refinery

A consortium of bio-fuels producers, Wielkopolskie Biopaliwa (WB), has begun construction of an "agro refinery" in Slaw Wielkopolski, which should be finished by 2005. "The first phase should cost around zl. 11.1 million and be completed by the end of 2003. This should see creation of storage houses with a capacity of 15,000 tonnes of rape and a processing plant with a capacity of 10,000 tonnes," said WB director Zbigniew Chrzanowski. The second phase of the investment is planned for 2004 and will be worth zl. 14.6 million. This should result in the construction of a methyl esters production line with a capacity of 30,000 tonnes and a doubling of the available storage space. Chrzanowski added that funding for the investment will come from the the consortium's own capital and from bank loans. M oreover, the new plant should provide employment for 30 people. "Our main aim is to produce fuels, gases and energy from renewable plant-origin sources in huge quantities," claimed Chrzanowski. The consortium is planning to construct 2-3 agro-refineries with storage houses worth in total zl. 60 million. (Puls Biznesu, p. 9) M.M.