The syngas produced by PEGS® plant is further compressed and processed in the Catalytic Alcohol Synthesis Technology (CAST) with patented catalyst and process to produce mixed alcohol that is predominantly ethanol. The alcohols are then further separated into fuel grade Ethanol, and industry grade Propanol for selling as separate products. The mixed alcohol without separation is also suitable for blending with petrol as a premium high-octane blend.
Key advantages of the Catalytic Alcohol Synthesis Technology over other conversion technologies like biological processes include:
- Ability to convert mixed feedstock – biomass, plastics and other industrial wastes,
- Ability to convert lignin (about 50% of biomass) not needing a process to separate lignin,
- Ability to scale up to large scale commercial plants >200 to 300 KLPD,
- Substantial reduction in water use,
- Ability to produce higher alcohols (propanol & butanol) as byproducts in addition to ethanol,
- Production of steam/power for captive use and potential export,
- Ethanol production cost at a fraction of biological processes (which typically need governmental viability gap funding), and
- Significantly lower capital expenditure.