Twenty years ago, Kurana’s plant opened its doors in Pasvalys, venturing into what was then a new and risky business: bioethanol and biogas production. Today, the company is pursuing further ambitions to expand its operations and increase its green energy production capacity.
“A few decades ago, investing in renewable fuel production was an incredibly bold idea. Renewable energy was still in its infancy, and there was no clear direction for decarbonising transport or advancing the green transition. The subsequent adoption of the Renewable Energy Directive marked a turning point. Today, it is clear that the decision to launch bioethanol and biogas production in Pasvalys has paid off. We have grown alongside Lithuania’s renewable energy sector, and we plan to continue building on that momentum,” said Jurgis Polujanskas, CEO of Kurana.
When the Pasvalys plant began operating 20 years ago, it stood out not only in Lithuania but across Europe. It was the first plant in the EU to integrate bioethanol and biogas production into a single, continuous process. A defining feature of Kurana’s operations is its waste-free production, built around an efficient circular economy model.
Kurana’s main product is bioethanol, which is blended into petrol. This renewable fuel is produced from grain unsuitable for food use, supplied by Lithuanian farmers. Kurana has also begun producing advanced bioethanol using a variety of organic waste and residues.
Each year, Kurana purchases 169,000 tonnes of feedstock, primarily wheat and triticale unsuitable for food use, maize, and waste materials for advanced renewable fuel production. The company produces nearly 30,000 cubic metres of bioethanol annually.
Lithuania’s First Biomethane Project
Biogas is generated in reactors as part of the bioethanol production process. In 2023, Kurana added another stage to its production chain, upgrading biogas to biomethane — a renewable gas that meets natural gas quality standards. The biomethane project was launched in partnership with Tube Green. The Pasvalys facility produces 100,000 MWh of biomethane annually, which is fed into the Amber Grid gas transmission network.
“We were the first in Lithuania to launch a large-scale biomethane production project because we believe demand for this renewable gas will grow over time, particularly in the transport sector, where the EU has set ambitious targets for renewable energy use. Admittedly, the current situation is far from ideal, as Lithuania’s transport sector still lacks sufficient incentives to replace fossil fuels with biomethane. However, I believe that economic sense and our national interests will prevail, and that we will soon see many more vehicles powered by clean, renewable gas on Lithuania’s roads,” said Polujanskas.
Focused on Growth
Extensive construction work is currently underway at the plant. Kurana is expanding its capacity and building a new production line for advanced bioethanol. This renewable fuel is made from industrial waste unsuitable for use in the food or animal feed supply chains, such as waste starch slurry and food residues.
“Advanced ethanol is still a novelty in Lithuania. We produce it from a variety of organic waste and residues, purchasing these materials from industrial companies and farms. In doing so, we help address waste disposal challenges and promote the circular economy. Advanced bioethanol also generates up to 80% lower CO₂ emissions than fossil fuels, making a substantial contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Jurgis Polujanskas, CEO of Kurana.
Investment in the second-generation renewable fuel plant amounts to €14.3 million. Once the expansion is complete, Kurana’s annual second-generation bioethanol production will reach 10,000 cubic metres.
Kurana’s CEO has not ruled out producing synthetic fuels in the future. Although these are still a very new energy source for transport, they could become widely used thanks to their very low carbon dioxide emissions. Producing these fuels would require new technologies to combine hydrogen with carbon dioxide.
Putting Employees First
Kurana demonstrates how businesses can create a sustainable workplace that supports both people and the environment. “When employees feel valued, heard and involved, motivation, loyalty and a desire to work towards shared goals develop naturally,” said Neringa Čergelytė, Head of HR at Kurana.
According to Čergelytė, the company looks beyond employees’ day-to-day responsibilities, providing everyone with opportunities for professional development. The LEAN methodology implemented at Kurana enables employees to contribute directly to process improvements.
The company has a clear vision for sustainability: reducing its environmental impact, applying circular economy principles and actively helping to address climate change. For Kurana, sustainability also means respect for people, social responsibility and an inclusive workplace.
Community: An Integral Part of Success
As one of the region’s largest employers, Kurana plays an active role in the life of the Pasvalys community, supporting cultural, sporting and social initiatives.
The company is a long-standing partner of the Pasvalys town festival, contributing both financial support and a range of activities and entertainment, from concerts to spectacular chemistry and physics demonstrations. In 2021, an extreme sports park — one of the most modern in Lithuania — opened in Pasvalys’s Smegduobių Park. Kurana contributed €50,000 towards its construction, investing in the future of the Pasvalys region. The park gives local young people a place to spend their free time meaningfully and even pursue sporting ambitions.
“One of the things that sets our company apart is our educational work, through which we aim to inspire young people and introduce them to modern career opportunities in sustainable industry. School pupils and university students can visit our plant to learn about bioethanol production and innovative technologies,” said Čergelytė.
Lending a Helping Hand in Difficult Times
The COVID-19 pandemic was a challenging period for Kurana. The company temporarily adjusted its operations and increased production of disinfectant, which was in critically short supply at the time.
As hospitals faced an acute crisis, Kurana organised a support initiative, donating and delivering 20,000 litres of hand disinfectant to 20 healthcare institutions across Lithuania. It was used to support hygiene among medical staff and patients, as well as to clean surfaces and premises. The initiative paid particular attention to hospitals in smaller towns, where shortages of protective supplies were especially severe.
Following the outbreak of war in Ukraine, Kurana supported an initiative led by Dakar Rally competitor Balys Bardauskas to send new motorcycles adapted to soldiers’ needs to the Ukrainian front line. Several dozen motorcycles reached Ukraine. With military equipment in short supply, this assistance provided practical and much-needed support to Ukrainians fighting for their freedom.
