Gerben Bosma Appointed as New Plant Manager Empyro

Hengelo, The Netherlands — Aurora Renewable Carbon is pleased to announce the appointment of Gerben Bosma as the new Plant Manager at its Empyro fast pyrolysis bio-oil production plant located in Hengelo. Bosma will lead the restart of day-to-day operations, oversee plant performance and safety, and support future continued optimisation and growth of the facility.

Empyro is one of Europe’s pioneering commercial-scale fast pyrolysis plants, converting sustainably sourced biobased residues into advanced bio-oil used as a renewable alternative to fossil chemicals and fuels. Empyro is part of the Biorefinery Twente project, that represents a second step in value creation: upgrading pyrolysis bio-oil into specialty chemicals, enabling higher-value, circular bio-based products for industrial markets.

Bosma brings extensive experience in industrial operations, process optimisation, and team leadership within the energy and manufacturing sectors. In his new role, he will focus on restarting production including production team hiring and ensuring the highest standards of safety and environmental performance — laying a strong operational foundation for future integration with biorefinery activities.

“I am excited to join Empyro at such a pivotal time for circular chemistry and renewable energy,” said Bosma. “In the near term, fast pyrolysis bio-oil contributes to decarbonising industrial heat, while the next step — refining this bio-oil into specialty chemicals through Biorefinery Twente — demonstrates how we can further unlock value from biobased residues and accelerate the transition to sustainable materials. I look forward to working with the team of Aurora and our partner BTG Bioliquids to deliver safe, stable, and high-performing operations that support this ambition.”

Hans Bevers, co-founder of Aurora Renewable Carbon, commented: “Gerben’s strong operational leadership comes at exactly the right moment. Reliable, optimised bio-oil production is essential as we move forward to the next phase of development within Biorefinery Twente Project. By combining bio-oil production with the manufacturing of specialty chemicals, we are building an integrated biorefinery platform in Hengelo that offers both sustainability impact and economic value.”

With Bosma at the helm of plant operations and the Biorefinery Twente project progressing, Empyro reinforces its commitment to advancing the circular bioeconomy — transforming sustainable biobased residues not only into renewable energy, but also into high-value chemical building blocks for the future.

About Aurora Renewable Carbon

Aurora Renewable Carbon BV produces high-performance bio-based feedstocks that replace fossil raw materials in the chemical industry. Using certified second-generation wood residues, advanced fast pyrolysis, and specialized refining, we create cost-effective lignin and sugars. Our highly pure and reactive lignin replaces phenol and bisphenol A in resins for insulation, coatings, composites, and adhesives.

About Empyro

Empyro BV operates a commercial-scale fast pyrolysis plant in Hengelo, producing advanced bio-oil from sustainable biomass. The bio-oil is used as a renewable fuel for heat and power applications and forms the foundation for further upgrading into specialty chemicals as part of the Biorefinery Twente project. Empyro is fully owned by Aurora Renewable Carbon.

For more information, please contact:info@aurora-rc.com