Neste Oil had announced its decision to go ahead with a similar-sized plant in Singapore in November 2007. Both plants are linked to Neste Oil’s stated goal of becoming the world’s leading producer of renewable diesel fuel.
NExBTL renewable diesel is based on Neste Oil’s technology, which can use a wide range of raw materials. In its plant in Finland, the company currently uses a mix of palm oil, rapeseed oil, and animal fat to produce renewable diesel. Offering product quality claimed to be even better than fossil diesel, NExBTL can be used in all diesel engines.
The plant is to be built in the Maasvlakten area in the western part of the port of Rotterdam. Its location near other chemicals plants is expected to offer a number of synergy opportunities with other facilities. Nearby plants will supply Neste Oil with utilities.
Neste Oil will work with the same key partners in Rotterdam that it selected for its project in Singapore. Technip Italy will act as the project’s main contractor and Air Liquide will supply the hydrogen required for the process.
Risto Rinne, Neste Oil’s president and CEO, said: Rotterdam is Europe’s largest center of petroleum products and chemicals production, and offers a wide range of dedicated services, as well as port facilities, all of which makes Rotterdam an ideal location for a NExBTL plant.
