Economics Improve for First Commercial Cellulosic Ethanol Plants
by Jessica Leber (ClimateWire New York Times) Many cellulosic fuel producers are working with enzymes to break down tough, inedible plant parts, such as corncobs or switch grass, into simpler sugars that can be fermented to ethanol. Now enzyme companies say they are near to breaking down another tough obstacle: the cost of enzymes that will make the next generation of low-carbon fuels.
…Novozymes, the world’s largest industrial enzyme producer, today launched a new line it says will yield ethanol from plant wastes at an enzyme price of about 50 cents a gallon. The latest product of a decade of research, this marks an 80 percent price drop from two years ago, according to Global Marketing Director Poul Ruben Andersen.
…Novozyme’s competitor, California-based Genencor, a division of enzyme giant Danisco, announced its own new enzyme product, which falls within a similar price range of about 50 cents to make a gallon of fuel, according to Philippe Lavielle, executive vice president of business development. READ MORE
Related posts:
- Inbicon Sells Out of Cellulosic Ethanol Before Demo Plant’s Opening
- LOGOS Technologies and EDENIQ Awarded Cellulosic Bio-ethanol Grant from US Department of Energy
- New Enzymes Turn Waste into $US2/gallon fuel
- Study Planned of Brazilian Sugarcane Bagasse as Cellulosic Ethanol Feedstock
- Fiberight to Produce MSW-Based Cellulosic Ethanol
