Agrana Biorefinery

Problem statement

Adding value to agricultural commodities to create industrial products for downstream industries

Executive summary

Agrana Biorefinery Pischelsdorf focuses on the processing of cereals into ingredients for the food, agriculture and industrial sectors

Value chain description

AGRANA, a major processor of cereals, fruit and sugar, operates the Pischelsdorf biorefinery which initially produces wheat starch and wheat. In the neighboring bioethanol plant, bioethanol and non-genetically engineered protein animal feed are produced as by-products from the unused raw material components. Gluten, essential in the production of baked goods, and biogenic CO2 for the beverage industry are other by-products from the Pischelsdorf biorefinery. A similar starch ethanol AGRANA plant is operational in Hungary.

Market deployment considerations

The global bioethanol market was valued at USD 33.61 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.1% by 2030.

Environmental considerations

Utilizes almost 100% of the raw materials employed and use low-emission technologies to minimize impacts on the environment (raw material procurement, production, products). Process CO2 is collected for further used, for example in beverages.

Social Considerations

It is enhancing opportunity for the farmers

Stakeholders Involved

Cereal growers, technology developers, food and beverage producers, energy suppliers

Feedstock used

Wheat, Corn

TRL

9

Value Chain name

Agrana biorefinery

Type of process

Fermentation

Technology output

Bioethanol, Wheat starch and gluten, High purity CO2

Processing capacity point of view (annual feedstock requirement)

100,000 tonnes of wheat starch, 23,500 tonnes of wheat protein

Country

Austria

Year

1991