54 Mgy Center Ethanol plant accepting grain deliveries; opening imminent

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 continues to be at the forefront of the US biofuels industry. Recent developments include:

• The 100 Mgy Marquis Energy corn ethanol plant will open last week in Hennepin, pending approval of the plant’s water discharge plan by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency permit to discharge cooling water from the plant into the Illinois River. The plant has been granted a temporary permit to discharge the water while the EPA’s ruling is pending. Ethanol produced at the plant is destined for Florida and Louisiana.

• 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.

• House Bill 4696, that would increase state support for ethanol to $10 million in the form of 10-cent-per-gallon grants, was passed unanimously by House Renewable Energy committee and now moves to the House floor. The measure would also provide support for local governments and and gas stations for ethanol pumps.

• Last October, the Illinois state capital construction bill was introduced, including $475 million for building ethanol and biodiesel plants, adding E85 pumps to gas stations to E-85 pumps, and energy-efficiency projects for small businesses.

Illinois is the number three state in the nation in biodiesel production, with 199 Mgy in current and planned capacity. The state is ranked fourth in ethanol production, with 1187 Mgy in capacity. The state is also expecting a record corn harvest with state yields projected as high as 187 bushels per acre.

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