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