PACE

PACE aims to demonstrate a full-scale first-of-its-kind retrofitted biorefinery for the valorisation of a second generation organic sidestream feedstock into high-value bio-based chemicals, namely medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) with chain lengths from 4 to 8 carbon atoms. The project will upgrade and expand the production capacity of an existing potato processing biorefinery by utilizing its sidestream (potato juice) which is currently processed into low-value fertilizer and animal feed. PACE will use potato juice as feedstock for the production of purified MCFAs that serve as key platform chemicals or drop-in ingredients in the chemical industry, effectively replacing the currently available petro- or oleo-based MCFAs with sustainable, local, bio-based alternatives that have a CO2-emission reduction potential up to 86%. PACE will reach TRL8 by project end, demonstrating the production of 20 kt/y of purified MCFAs from 300 kt/y of potato juice. Retrofitting the existing biorefinery and leveraging its infrastructure and equipment will save 15% CAPEX compared to greenfield construction and reduce feedstock transport costs by a minimum of €500k/y, delivering economic and environmental benefits. The technology is highly scalable and replicable across Europe. The application of bio-based-MCFAs will be demonstrated through the production of flavors & fragrance ingredients, novel surfactants, home care detergents, and animal health supplements, fully compliant with market requirements and reaching end-TRLs up to 8. In line with the zero-waste concept, by-products will be exploited as high-value fertilizers or biogas feedstock, and process outputs will be recycled as energy sources. PACE will create a new, regional circular bio-based value chain centered in the Netherlands, with high European impact. PACE is expected to generate >€40M turnover, approximately 63 jobs, and re-skill 67 employees of the retrofitted biorefinery through tailored training programs.