Albany Renewable Energy investigates molasses as feedstock for proposed 110 Mgy plant in New York
In New York, Albany Renewable Energy is investigating molasses as a substitute for corn for its proposed 110 Mgy ethanol plant for the Port of Albany. Rising corn prices have led to the search for new feedstocks. Westway Trading is in talks with ARE to supply the new feedstock; however, the plant has not yet commenced its financing drive pending negotiation of the Port District lease.
It was reported last week in the Diugest that Albany Renewable Energy is facing challenges on its $350 million ethanol plant in the Albany Port District, based on reduced margins from ethanol operations and rising construction costs. In addition to the fast-rising price of corn, ethanol production utilizes 35,000 BTUs of natural gas per gallon produced, and 1.1 KWh of electricity, and costs for both are under pressure. The Albany plant was designed to produce ethanol as a substitute for MTBE, which reduces smog when combined with gasoline but has proven to be a carcinogen.
