In Illinois, researchers announced the discovery that new enzymes, able to be grown in corn, will break down plant cellulose for cellulosic ethanol production. Typical enzymes are grown in energy-intensive bioreactors, and are a significant cost factor in cellulosic ethanol. The researchers await more testing to determine whether their cocktail of three enzymes will have sufficient strength to break, rather than soften, the cellulose wall.
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In Michigan, researchers at Michigan State have developed a process to insert enzymes used to break down cellulose, into crops such as corn. The process, which is just beginning a testing phase, would...
In France, Proteus announced an agreement with Syngenta to develop enzymes for cellulosic ethanol production. Proteus offers industrial manufacturing capabilities, unique proprietary technologies incl...
In Denmark, Novozymes announced that they will cut the cost of enzymes used in cellulosic ethanol by 50 percent to 50 cents per gallon by 2010. The company said that, combined with other increases in ...
In Illinois, the 54 Mgy Center Ethanol plant in Sauget is accepting grain deliveries. The plant, which commenced construction in 2006, is expected to commence ethanol production shortly.
Illinois c...
In Denmark, the US DOE has given Novozymes a $12.3 million contract for R&D on reducing the cost of producing cellulosic ethanol from corn stover. The focus is on superior enzymes. The company sai...
In Massachusetts, the US Department of Energy awarded $100,000 to SunEthanol to further develop its patented C3 process, which combines hydrolysis and fermentation into a single step. The five-step pr...