PR Newswire/ANP/
    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

    For more information please contact: Mark Zellenrath of ARCADIS at +31-26-3778348 or outside office hours at +31-6-50736265, or e-mail at M.C.Zellenrath@arcadis.nl.

The content and accuracy of news releases published on this site and/or 
distributed by PR Newswire or its partners are the sole responsibility of the 
originating company or organisation. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the 
accuracy of our services, such releases are not actively monitored or reviewed 
by PR Newswire or its partners and under no circumstances shall PR Newswire or 
its partners be liable for any loss or damage resulting from the use of such 
information. All information should be checked prior to publication.