Leaders from DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol (DDCE), University of Tennessee and Genera Energy cut the ribbon on one of the world’s first cellulosic ethanol demonstration facilities, located in Vonore, Tennessee. The 74,000-square-foot plant has started producing ethanol and will deliver low-cost, fully-integrated technology for commercial production of ethanol from agricultural residue and bio energy crops, including corncobs and switchgrass.
The Tennessee Biofuels Initiative already is creating new jobs and opportunities. “Here in Vonore, DDCE and Genera Energy are well ahead of the curve as we develop the entire value chain, from feedstock to production. We delivered on our promise to investors, customers and the industry by initiating start-up at the end of last year. We are on track to provide the industry with investment-grade packages that meet demands for low-cost, scalability and sustainability”, said DDCE President and CEO Joe Skurla.
It is a major achievement for DDCE, Tennessee’s Biofuels Initiative and for the cellulosic ethanol industry, which is under federal mandate to deliver 36 billion gallons of renewable fuel by 2022, of which 16 billion gallons must come from cellulosic sources.
Kelly Tiller, CEO of Genera Energy and director of external operations for the UT Office of Bioenergy Programs, said, “The University of Tennessee Biofuels Initiative is the only fully integrated program that is working with farmers and agricultural industry to reliably supply the necessary feedstock so bio refineries can produce plentiful, affordable, renewable and sustainable fuels.”
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