01-05-2025

Valmet and Wilhelmina N.V. forge strategic partnership to commercialise TG2 pellet plants

Valmet and Wilhelmina, proudly announce a strategic collaboration to commercialise the TG2 pellet technology on a global scale.

Wilhelmina N.V., a Dutch renewable energy company, is dedicated to transforming waste into energy, with a particular focus on revolutionising the energy pellet industry through the introduction of the TG2 pellet, a true innovation in waste-to-energy solutions.

Valmet, a global leader in process technologies, automation, and services, is committed to leveraging its cutting-edge expertise to drive the renewable energy transition forward.

The partnership has been formalized through a Strategic Collaboration Agreement aimed at commercialising steam treated pellet production processes utilising high-potassium feedstocks, such as agricultural residues. Wilhelmina currently operates a demonstration facility and plans to commence construction of its first commercial plant in Malaysia during 2025, with ambitions to scale globally and achieve a target of over 1,000,000 tons of annual production by 2031.

“A significant milestone was achieved by Wilhelmina in January 2025, when 300 tons of TG2 pellets were tested and approved by a major client in Japan,” explains David Hiel, Co-founder and CCO of Wilhelmina. “The testing included one month of uncovered outdoor storage in a coal yard before the pellets were blended at 10% and 20% with coal and fed into a pulverised coal boiler. The test utilized existing coal-handling infrastructure, confirming TG2 pellets as a true drop-in replacement for coal.”

The collaboration integrates TG2's proprietary process with Valmet's BioTrac steam explosion technology, advancing sustainable energy solutions and promoting efficient utilisation of problematic agricultural residues for steam treated pellet production. In particular, through joint efforts, a novel and unique application was developed when processing high potassium agricultural residues with the BioTrac system, which forms the basis of this strategic partnership.

"This partnership enables Valmet to bring proven technology to a rapidly growing market segment with immense potential. By combining TG2's innovative process with our BioTrac system, we aim to set a new standard for high-quality, steam-treated pellet production from challenging feedstocks. This truly mutual cooperation opens up global opportunities for both Valmet and Wilhelmina,” says Per Norlin, Sales Manager, Biomass Conversion at Valmet. 

Valmet's advanced Steam Explosion system, known as BioTrac, is the result of a decade-long development journey from pilot studies to full commercial implementation. This innovative technology is a key component in the TG2 steam treated pellet plants, highlighting a strong dedication to both technological progress and environmental responsibility.