Massive efforts are underway to optimize techniques designed for processing biomass. But even a perfectly efficient conversion doesn't mean much if the materials can't be delivered cost-effectively and in large quantities to a refinery.
The world of enzyme technology is filled with explorers scouring the ends of the Earth for new strains of fungi. In the wake of new discoveries is a world of intellectual property intrigue and business maneuvering that has leading enzyme producers—Genencor, Novozymes and Dyadic—aligning with different partners in a race to build the first industrial cellulosic biorefinery.
Many ethanol companies are successfully attracting investors now, which was still a considerable challenge a year ago. Discovering another financial option, a handful of ethanol producers and future producers filed initial public offerings in 2006, and in the beginning, many were riding high. Although share prices have cooled considerably since last summer when ethanol prices were being shored up by $75 a barrel crude oil prices, some market analysts say that volatility is to be expected in a business that's still in its infancy.
Passion, patience and persistence have paid off for BlueFire Ethanol as the company prepares to launch its first U.S. cellulosic ethanol production facility using technology that's been proven in the Japanese market. The company intends to build on its success by erecting cellulosic ethanol plants within Waste Management landfill sites across the United States. The road to this point has been long and tumultuous but BlueFire Ethanol has vowed not to let up until it reaches the finish line.
By Josée Lemoine
January 04, 2007
Some heavy hitters have been tapped to join the research efforts to commercialize cellulosic ethanol production. Ethanol producers hope that matchups with companies such as DuPont or Chevron will give them the added punch they need.
By Dave Nilles
January 04, 2007
By Dave Nilles
January 04, 2007
By Dave Nilles
January 04, 2007
President George W. Bush put ethanol and biodiesel on the center stage again at his 2007 State of the Union Address. Now the ethanol and biodiesel industries are looking for the correct path leading to an aggressive goal.
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