United States. DuPont opened its cellulosic biofuel unit in Nevada, Iowa, where it was attended by the State's Governor, Terry Branstad, as well as other officials.
This biorefinery is the largest cellulosic ethanol plant in the world. It has the capacity to produce 30 million gallons per year of clean fuel that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 90% compared to gasoline.
The raw material used to produce ethanol comes from corn stubble (stems, straw and spikes left in the field after harvest). The new facilities will demonstrate, on a commercial scale, that agricultural raw materials can be used to meet society's energy demand in the future. Cellulosic ethanol will further diversify the fuel mix used for transportation, in the same way that wind and solar sources are expanding renewable power generation options.
500 local farmers will be involved in the supply chain and the entire operation of the biorefinery in Nevada. They will supply 375,000 tons of dry material to produce cellulosic ethanol within a 30-mile radius of the plant for one year. In addition to ensuring a new source of income for these producers, 85 permanent jobs and 150 more temporary jobs will be created at DuPont's new facility.
"Iowa has a rich history of innovation in agriculture," said Gov. Terry Branstad. "Today we celebrate a new chapter by using agricultural waste as a raw material for fuel, bringing enormous environmental and economic benefits to the state. The opening of the DuPont biorefinery represents a great example of innovation that is achieved when rural communities, government and the private sector work together toward a common goal."
Biomass-based businesses can bring new sources of income and high technology to rural economies around the world. As a global company with operations in more than 90 countries, DuPont is uniquely positioned to globally deploy its cellulosic technology in the transportation fuels sector and other segments.
