Cellulosic Developers Make Case for Integrated Ethanol Production
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Corn ethanol and cellulosic ethanol have previously been viewed as entirely separate products which will be manufactured by two unique types of producers, but the concept of integrating cellulosic production into corn ethanol plants is gaining popularity as producers begin to consider the benefits of integrated production models.
…Dwight Anderson, bioconversion manager Catchlight Energy LLC, said co-producing cellulosic ethanol would offer corn ethanol producers the ability to hedge against low ethanol prices and take advantage of the growing demand for cellulosic biofuels, so long as the renewable fuel standard (RFS) continues to be enforced. Also, while corn prices have shot up in recent years, the cost of some potential cellulosic feedstocks, namely wood, have remained steady. Catchlight, a joint venture between Chevron Corp. and integrated forest products firm Weyerhaeuser Co., was formed to commercialize cellulosic fuels produced and has worked extensively with soft woods but has tested other feedstocks as well. Anderson said Catchlight is interested in partnering corn ethanol producers and can supply them with pre-treated cellulosic feedstocks, negating the need for corn producers to add pre-treatment capabilities at the existing facility. READ MORE and MORE
