Cleantech Investor

First published in Cleantech magazine, Volume 6, Issue 1. Copyright Cleantech Investor Ltd

Dr Matthew Aylott of the NNFCC reviews the state of the ‘advanced’ biofuels industry in the UK

Five years ago the technology existed only in laboratories. Now advanced processes like pyrolysis and gasification are beginning to convert a wide range of feedstocks – such as municipal solid waste, lignocellulosic crops and algae – into sustainable fuels, and on an increasingly large scale.

Governments around the world are matching the promise of advanced biofuels with ambitious and far reaching legislation, which has seen millions of dollars invested – not only in research and development, but also in the deployment of these new technologies.

First published in Cleantech magazine, Volume 6, Issue 1. Copyright Cleantech Investor Ltd

Equity fundraising for bioplastics and related industry areas, including companies with a biorefinery approach to next generation biofuels, has been a relatively healthy space over the last year or so. One highlight last year was Avantium, which raised €25 million from investors including Sofinnova Partners, Aster Capital, De Hoge Dennen, Aescap Venture, Capricorn Cleantech Fund, ING Corporate Investments and Navitas Capital. In January this year, Avantium announced a collaboration with Rhodia (part of the Solvay Group) for the development of bio-based polyamides.  The deal expands upon an agreement between Solvay and Avantium in the field of bio-based engineering plastics. 

First published in Cleantech magazine, Volume 6, Issue 1. Copyright Cleantech Investor Ltd 

Several of the key players in the emerging biojet fuel space have raised funds recently. At the start of 2012, SG Biofuels raised US$17 million while LanzaTech has closed a US$55.8 million Series C round.

First published in Cleantech magazine, Volume 6, Issue 1. Copyright Cleantech Investor Ltd

Syngas-related technologies offer an alternative approach to the conversion of cellulosic material into liquid fuel to the isobutanol approach of firms such as KiOR. Companies with syngas technology which have received strategic funding over the past year or so include Sundrop Fuels and Agnion Energy. 

First published in Cleantech magazine, Volume 6, Issue 1. Copyright Cleantech Investor Ltd

By Anne McIvor

Next generation biofuels remain in favour amongst investors. The series of IPOs of advanced biofuel companies continued at the start of 2012 with Ceres raising US$65 million. Enerkem has also filed for an IPO. However, the stock performance of the clutch of next generation biofuel companies already listed was less than inspiring. In the venture capital space, key deals included a US$55 million Series C fundraising for LanzaTech.