The National Programme Groningen - a partnership between the Dutch national government, the Province of Groningen and ten municipalities – is investing in projects that contribute to the future and prosperity of Groningen, focussing on economic development, the quality of the living environment, energy transition and sustainability. On 7th december 2020, the board of the National Programme Groningen confirmed the award to Avantium of a €7.5 million grant to support the construction of its FDCA flagship plant, designating it as an “icon project” for the region. FDCA is the key building block for PEF (polyethylene furanoate), a plant-based, fully recyclable plastic material with a combination of environmental and performance benefits. The FDCA flagship plant is planned to start up in 2023 and will provide around 60 jobs in the region.
Avantium CEO Tom van Aken says: “We are pleased with the support of the National Programme Groningen for the construction of our first commercial plant. With the Northern region, we share the ambition to achieve a fully sustainable chemical industry.” Avantium and the Groningen consortium already entered into an agreement earlier this year relating to the conditional financing mix of €30 million for the construction of the FDCA flagship plant. The €7.5 million grant by National Programme Groningen is part of this financing mix.
Avantium and the Groningen consortium will make further announcements on the details concerning the remaining €22.5 million when appropriate.
* The Groningen consortium comprises of the Province of Groningen, Groningen Seaports and regional investment funds NOM (Investment and Development Agency for the Northern Netherlands), FondsNieuweDoen, Investeringsfonds Groningen and Groeifonds.
