Corn ethanol represents the first generation of biofuels. Cellulosic ethanol, made from grass, woody plants, and crop debris, was supposed to be the second generation. But, reports Harvest Public Media, it’s “harder to make than grain ethanol,” and the industry is still looking for a toehold in the fuels market.
Three large cellulosic ethanol plants have been built in the past decade. “Of the three commercial-scale plants, one in Hugoton, Kansas, went on the sale block in 2016, and in November, DuPont announced it is looking for a buyer for its Nevada, Iowa, plant,” says Harvest Media. “That just leaves Project Liberty in Emmetsburg, Iowa, built and run by POET-DSM.” Company spokesman Matt Merritt says that this year, the plant resolved some of the issues that have held back the entire industry.
DowDuPont says the company, while selling its cellulosic plant, intends to license the technology to other companies that want to get into the business, says Harvest Media. POET-DSM has the same idea, says Merritt. “This is a demonstration plant. This is a place where we can bring people and show them what this technology looks like, give them an indication of what it might look like for them. And then sell these licenses.”
Business consultant Michele Rubino says there is long-term interest at the state level in cleaner-burning fuels, which creates a niche for cellulosic ethanol. Rubino told Harvest Media that he expects another wave of interest in cellulosic.