ARCADIS Named Principle Consultant for Solena and British Airways' UK-Based Sustainable Jet Fuel Plant

AMSTERDAM, February 15, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ARCADIS, the international consultancy, design, engineering and management services company, announced today that it will take the role of Principle Consultant for a sustainable jet fuel plant to be developed by Solena Group in partnership with British Airways - the first of its kind in Europe.

ARCADIS will advise on and manage the delivery of the project, from managing the site selection for the self-contained plant to ensuring that the construction is completed in a timely and cost-effective manner.

The aviation fuel is produced from plasma gasification of biomass into BioSynGas which is then converted by Fischer Tropsch into biojet fuel. The plant can process all types of biomass and residue feedstock which will mainly be sourced from local waste management facilities. The process produces no waste products other than an environmentally-benign slag that can be used as construction aggregate.

US-based Solena group is the developer and owner of this technology and is partnering with British Airways on this project. To date the Solena team has been involved in the design or operation of most of the largest plasma processing plants in the world. "We are teaming up with ARCADIS on a global basis as they have the skills and people locally to deliver just what we need" says Robert Do, CEO of Solena Group.

When complete, the Carbon Reclamation & Conditioning Plant will convert 500,000 tonnes of carbon-based material per year into 16 million gallons of jet fuel. The process offers lifecycle greenhouse gas savings of up to 95% compared to fossil fuel derived kerosene, potentially reducing annual carbon emissions by 145,000 tonnes, the equivalent of taking 48,000 cars off the road.

The plant will produce more than double the fuel needed to power all British Airways flights at London City Airport. First delivery is scheduled for 2014.

"The advanced biopower and biofuels processes now being developed will be fundamental in shaping the industrial sector of the future. Projects like this demonstrate that the technology is viable and the end results are extremely desirable and we are proud to be a part of this important development," says Stephen Didcott, Managing Director for ARCADIS in the UK.

ARCADIS is currently working on identifying potential sites for the new facility which will require approximately 20 acres of land. The site, which needs good transport links and a consistent supply of feedstock, would ideally be in London.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London said: "I welcome this fantastic new 'carbon lite' fuel production facility in London. City Hall has been working with British Airways and Solena to drive this project forward to help untap the massive potential to generate cleaner, less polluting energy from waste, otherwise destined for landfill."

Disused brown-field sites are among those being considered, in which case ARCADIS would utilise their extensive expertise in environmental remediation to reclaim land and make it suitable.

"ARCADIS has a great track record both in delivering large-scale, complex construction projects, and in their passion for sustainability and commitment to the environment. They are a natural choice to partner with on a project like this and we are looking forward to building on an already successful relationship," says Jim Davies, British Airways.

About ARCADIS:

ARCADIS is an international company providing consultancy, design, engineering and management services in infrastructure, environment and buildings. We aim to enhance mobility, sustainability and quality of life by creating balance in the built and natural environment. ARCADIS develops, designs, implements, maintains and operates projects for companies and governments. With more than 15,000 employees and over EUR 2.0 billion in revenues, the company has an extensive international network that is supported by strong local market positions. Visit us on the internet at: http://www.arcadis-global.com

SOURCE ARCADIS NV