BRUSSELS, April 24, 2009 (RISI) – French biomass research organization Compagnie Industrielle de la Matière Végétale (CIMV) has announced schedule changes for the construction and startup of a pulp mill in Vitry-le-François, central France, that will run exclusively on straw.

The project, which is a joint venture with European agriculture group Champagnes Céréales, was due to see production begin late this year or early next year. However, due to financing issues at the banks supporting the project, the purchase of the Vitry-le-François real estate did not roll out until very recently, and construction there will not begin until September. Production is now due to start in July 2011.

The facility will consume some 180,000 tonnes/yr of straw and employ about 130 people. CIMV puts its costs at about Euro 130 million ($170 million). The organization did not comment on the mill’s potential capacity, though local media have estimated it at around 60,000 tonnes/yr.

CIMV, which sees the mill as a step toward the international marketing of its biomass and pulp making technologies, will take care of the basic engineering. Champagnes Céréales will ensure the raw material supply.

via RISI.

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