POET-DSM will pause commercial production of cellulosic ethanol at its Project Liberty plant

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Type of post: NEWS.

POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels announced last week that it will pause production of cellulosic ethanol at its Project Liberty plant in Emmetsburg (Iowa, USA) and shift to R&D focused on improving operational efficiency.
Press release: “EPA actions trigger Project Liberty shift from production to R&D”, 19/11/2019.

Figure 1. Project Liberty Plant

POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels is a 50/50 joint venture between Royal DSM and POET. Based in Sioux Falls (South Dakota, USA), the company is a cooperative effort to unlocking the opportunity of converting corn crop residue into cellulosic bioethanol. Drawing on the deep expertise and experience of both firms, POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels built its first commercial-scale plant colocated with POET' Biorefining in Emmetsburg.

The decision to idle commercial production is a result of EPA challenges with the implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard (see detailed information on the press release). The joint venture will focus on R&D with the goal of improving mechanical reliability, creating additional technological efficiencies and licensing technology in countries which favourably support the use of low carbon fuels from crop residue and other biomass.

As part of this effort, the joint venture will use biomass stored on site or already under contract and will not purchase additional biomass at this time. The team needed to sustain R&D efforts has been evaluated and the joint venture will move forward with a reduced headcount in February.

Kyle Gilley (POET’s Senior Vice President of External Affairs and Communications) and Hugh Welsh (President DSM North America) issued the following joint statement: “Despite the changes announced today, POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels remains committed to leading the effort to scale up this cleaner, renewable fuel as a solution to reduce carbon emissions. POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels will continue its relentless advocacy and encourage the Administration to support the intent of the RFS and put in place policies that advance renewable fuels, boost rural economies, and reverse the effects of climate change. We are proud of our achievements so far in demonstrating the efficacy of the biotechnology required to produce cellulosic biofuels at commercial scale and look forward to making additional R&D breakthroughs.”

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