Zutari was appointed to complete the bankable feasibility study (BFS) for the process, which involved converting furnace off-gas into export-quality ethanol. The plant includes several major medium-voltage (MV) loads such as a bioreactor, compressors, a distillation plant, a cooling water system, and additional low-voltage (LV) loads.

The MV process loads are rated at 6.6 kV, with pumps up to 800 kW and a total load of 1 MVA. The 6.6 kV substation includes two 16 MVA 22/6.6 kV transformers and 44 panels operating at 6.6 kV.

Zutari provided an approximate 15% capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) estimate to support the client’s financial close. This included logistics, equipment selection trade-off studies, and biomass by-product analyses.

In addition, Zutari was responsible for mechanical, civil, structural, and electrical engineering, as well as control and instrumentation (C&I). The design team conducted a mechanical assessment of the bioreactor fabrication and installation, developed a 3D model, undertook geotechnical investigations, and produced a comprehensive capital and operational cost estimate. Trade-off studies between various technical options were conducted, and the distillation and dehydration package was optimised.