Catalyxx to Build Its First Commercial-Scale Renewable Chemicals Plant in Portugal
This project represents an important milestone in the industrial-scale application of Catalyxx technology, and has also been awarded Project of National Interest (PIN) status by the Portuguese Government.
The project represents a significant milestone in the industrial-scale implementation of Catalyxx technology and was also awarded National Project of Importance (PIN) status by the Portuguese Government.
Sines: A Major Industrial and Logistics Hub
Catalyxx announced that Sines, a city in Portugal, has been selected as the location for Catalyxx Ibérica, the company's first commercial-scale facility.
The facility, with a EUR 120 million investment to be implemented in Sines, one of Europe's most important industrial and logistics centers, was chosen due to world-class industrial infrastructure, deep-water port, strong logistics connections, and access to renewable energy. These advantages are expected to strengthen Catalyxx's leading position in bio-based chemicals while supporting supply security, decarbonization, and competitiveness in the European chemical sector. The project will also further reinforce Portugal's position in advanced manufacturing technologies.
The facility will produce butanol, hexanol and octanol from bioethanol. In this way, a lower-carbon-footprint alternative to conventional petrochemical production methods will be brought to market while maintaining full compatibility with existing industrial applications and value chains.
Strategic Status and Sustainability Advantages
The project received National Project of Importance (PIN) status from the Portuguese Government due to its strategic contributions to the country's industrial development, innovation, and economic growth. This status will enable the project to benefit from an accelerated licensing and approval process. Additionally, the project has crossed an important threshold by completing its basic environmental permits and demonstrating readiness to move into the construction phase.
The project is expected to create a multiplier effect in Portugal's industrial ecosystem by attracting additional private sector and institutional investments to the country and supporting the development of new value chains. The Sines facility alone is projected to prevent approximately 105,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.
Catalyxx CEO Joaquín Alarcón stated, "The Catalyxx Ibérica facility represents the next major step in our mission to replace fossil-based chemicals with renewable alternatives. The chemicals we will produce will be fully compatible with existing industrial applications and will have significantly lower carbon intensity. We are delighted to establish our first commercial-scale facility in Portugal. We thank AICEP – Portugal Trade and Investment Agency, ZILS – the aicep Global Parques entity managing Sines Industrial and Logistics Zone, CCDR Alentejo, Sines Municipality, APS – Sines and Algarve Ports Authority, and all Portuguese authorities for supporting and recognizing the strategic importance of this project. This project will not only accelerate the chemical sector's transition away from fossil sources but will also establish Portugal as a major hub for advanced industry in Europe."
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