In January 2014 BTG Bioliquids / Empyro BV started construction of its pyrolysis oil production facility in Hengelo, the Netherlands. The Empyro plant converts 5 tons per hour of wood residues into pyrolysis oil, process steam and electricity. Start-up of the installation commenced in early 2015 and production has gradually increased since. Nameplate capacity was reached in 2017 and since then the plant runs on a 24/7 basis. The success of the Empyro project has served as the first leap towards full-scale fast pyrolysis technology commercialization.
Since 2019 Empyro is part of Twence, which focuses on the recovery of raw materials and the production of renewable energy. They where happy to add this unique and successful plant to their portfolio. The Empyro plant in completely operated by Twence personnel since mid-2019. Both parties work together on optimizing this plant further and e.g. build a bulk storage for other possible future feedstock types.