Hawaii researchers to test ethanol by-product, vinasse, as animal feed

Researchers at the University of Hawaii have developed a process that will produce fish or livestock feed from vinasse, a byproduct of sugarcane ethanol production. Vinasse is produced as a by product of the fermentation process, and researchers hope to shortly test the new feed. Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar awaits the results of the test to determine its entry into the sugarcane ethanol business.  The feed would compete with imported fishmeal.

Hawaii background

In Hawaii, Governor Linda Lingle signed legislation that expands the definition of “renewable energy producer” to include feedstock growers.  Previously, leasing rights to public land were reserved to biofuel producers, although producers typically needed commercial and industrial sites and feedstock growers use public lands to grow biomass. The legislation will facilitate more effective use of land, where previously producers were incentivized to site their plants on agri-friendly public lands in order to secure the leases for cultivation of feedstock.

Shell and HR Biopetroleum have been constructing an algae-oil production facility to produce feedstocks for biodiesel. The two companies created a joint venture, called Cellana, to construct a pilot plant in Hawaii, but the production capacity and location was not disclosed.

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