And why is this important? Because cellulosic ethanol from wood chips and other discarded non-usable crops will be part of America’s new fuel diet this decade.
So says a federal law and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In compliance with this legislation, a wonderful partnership has been struck between Mascoma Corporation and oil refiners Valero to set up the U.S.A.’s first full-fledged Cellulosic Ethanol Plant.
The agreement stipulates that Valero’s refining expertise will be applied to produce the output of Mascoma’s upcoming plant in Kinross, Michigan. Valero is also putting $5 million into the project, a small fraction of the total $350 million needed to get the operation off the ground. Mascoma has spent the last few years actively pursuing investors.
The Significance of Cellulosic Ethanol
Cellulosic ethanol represents a significant advancement in the quest for sustainable energy. Unlike traditional ethanol, which is typically derived from food crops like corn, cellulosic ethanol is produced from non-food biomass such as wood chips, agricultural residues, and other plant materials. This not only helps in reducing the competition between food and fuel but also makes use of waste materials that would otherwise be discarded.
Mascoma Corp. and Valero’s partnership is unique in the biofuel annals because their ethanol will be derived from wood waste. Others in the industry usually employ grass or corn in the conversion process, but Mascoma has a specialty all its own. By utilizing wood waste, Mascoma is tapping into a resource that is abundant and often underutilized, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly fuel production process.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The economic implications of this partnership are substantial. The establishment of the Kinross plant is expected to create numerous jobs, both during the construction phase and once the plant is operational. This influx of employment opportunities can provide a significant boost to the local economy. Additionally, the production of cellulosic ethanol can help reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil, contributing to greater energy security.
From an environmental perspective, cellulosic ethanol offers several benefits. It has a lower carbon footprint compared to fossil fuels and even traditional ethanol. The use of waste materials for fuel production helps in reducing landfill waste and promotes a circular economy. Moreover, the cultivation of biomass for cellulosic ethanol can improve soil health and biodiversity, as it often involves the use of cover crops and other sustainable agricultural practices.
Mascoma is also set to make a killing in the brave new world of biofuels; the EPA requires no less than six million gallons of ethanol to be mixed with gasoline every year. It’s a conservative amount, but a large one as well. This mandate ensures a steady demand for ethanol, providing a reliable market for producers like Mascoma and Valero.
Furthermore, the success of the Kinross plant could pave the way for more cellulosic ethanol facilities across the country. As technology advances and production processes become more efficient, the cost of cellulosic ethanol is expected to decrease, making it a more competitive alternative to traditional fuels. This could lead to wider adoption and a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
The partnership between Mascoma Corporation and Valero marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of biofuels. By leveraging innovative technology and sustainable practices, they are setting a precedent for the future of energy production. The Kinross plant is not just a step forward for Mascoma and Valero, but a leap towards a more sustainable and energy-independent America.
Via Gearlog
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