An Afternoon at BioWanze Factory: Where Policy Meets Practice

Author: Delphine DUPEUX, Director of Parliament Relations Intergroup, ELO

After our wide ranging discussions in the Parliament on biofuels, ELO and  ePURE – the European renewable ethanol association – organized a field visit to BioWanze, one of Europe’s leading producers of renewable ethanol. Joined by Members of the European Parliament and sector leaders, participants saw firsthand how certified, locally sourced raw materials are transformed into sustainable energy.

BioWanze, member of the Südzucker Group, operates under strict sustainability standards, using agricultural raw materials mainly of local origin, brought by boat along the Meuse river. This approach supports both the environment and the rural economy, sourcing directly from local farmers, training and recruiting personnel in the local community.

The facility produces much more than ethanol. It delivers foodstuffs, natural fertilisers, green electricity, and animal feed – contributing to Europe’s protein supply and reducing dependence on soya imports. Wheat bran not used in the ethanol process is recovered and used in a biomass boiler that powers a high-efficiency cogeneration system. The surplus electricity supports the nearby Wanze sugar refinery, a CO₂ liquefaction site, and the public grid.

The visit provided a unique opportunity for real-time dialogue between policymakers, landowners, and industry experts. Discussions addressed regulatory challenges, innovation, and the practical realities of achieving the EU’s green objectives. Experiences like this ensure that policy is informed by practice.

The day demonstrated that sustainability is not only an ambition but a reality when stakeholders work together. The visit to BioWanze highlighted the importance of partnership and field-based engagement in shaping Europe’s renewable future.