POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels has announced that it plans to build an on-site enzyme manufacturing (OSM) facility at the Project Liberty cellulosic ethanol plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa, pending state and local approvals.
POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels LLC, a 50/50 joint venture (JV) between Royal DSM, a Netherlands-headed global life science company, and POET, LLC. one of the largest ethanol producers in the US has announced that it plans to build an on-site enzyme manufacturing (OSM) facility at the Project Liberty cellulosic ethanol plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa, pending state and local approvals.
The facility will be integrated into the Project Liberty technology package, replicable in future facilities. For Project Liberty, the OSM will directly pipe enzymes into the Liberty production process without requiring downstream processing, stabilisers and other chemicals required for enzyme transportation.
New enzymes developed by DSM are also expected to improve effectiveness of the enzyme mix, further reducing costs for the process. CRB has been awarded the contract for the design, engineering and construction management. Basic engineering is complete, and construction is expected to begin in late spring or early summer.
– Enzymes for cellulosic ethanol have been improving dramatically in recent years, and this is another leap delivered by our partner DSM in both cost and performance. It will be a valuable addition to POET-DSM’s integrated licensing package, said Jeff Lautt, President and COO for POET in a statement.
Project Liberty at ramp-up
Project Liberty is a cellulosic ethanol plant that uses corn cobs, leaves, husk and some stalk to produce renewable biofuel. Over the last 18 months significant design improvements have been made to the plant and further investments to improve yields and make the process more consistent and reliable. The facility is producing at a rate of 70 gallons (≈ 265 litres) per bone-dry ton of biomass, near the target conversion rate, and is currently in a ramp-up phase.
– We have reached some important production thresholds in recent months. This gives us the confidence to move to this next level of technology development. The startup and ramp-up of Project Liberty have provided valuable experience for developing a cost-effective process that can be replicated across the US and the world, said Atul Thakrar, President DSM Bio-based Products & Services.
