Sep 5 2014
POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels, LLC, a joint venture of Royal DSM and POET, LLC, today proved its revolutionary technology that converts agricultural residue into renewable fuel at the Grand Opening of its first commercial cellulosic ethanol plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa.
The plant, named "Project LIBERTY," was formally opened in the presence of His Majesty Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Deputy Under Secretary Michael Knotek of the Department of Energy, Governor Terry Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa, other dignitaries and thousands of guests.
Project LIBERTY converts baled corn cobs, leaves, husk and stalk into renewable fuel. The plant has now officially started up, processing its first batch of biomass into cellulosic ethanol and is moving forward toward continuous operation. At full capacity, it will convert 770 tons of biomass per day to produce ethanol at a rate of 20 million gallons per year, later ramping up to 25 million gallons per year.
Feike Sijbesma, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Managing Board of Royal DSM said: "This is an historical day in the development of plant-residue-based cellulosic ethanol as a viable, commercially attractive alternative to gasoline as we are moving from the fossil age to the (bio-)renewable age. For DSM this is a strategic investment, applying our proprietary technology to convert agricultural residue on a commercial scale, allowing it to be replicated at other facilities globally as we are ramping up our cellulosic ethanol licensing business."
"Some have called cellulosic ethanol a 'fantasy fuel,' but today it becomes a reality," said Jeff Broin, POET founder and Executive Chairman. "With access now to new sources for energy, Project LIBERTY can be the first step in transforming our economy, our environment and our national security."
This first commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol facility marks a huge step forward in the wider adoption of biofuels, both in North America and elsewhere. It is also a victory for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which prompted increased investment into advanced biofuels that accelerated development of this new technology. The RFS is a critical tool in moving the U.S. beyond 10 percent ethanol use to allow this new technology to expand to other parts of the country.
Meanwhile, in other parts of the world the development of cellulosic ethanol is expected to be boosted as POET-DSM's Liberty process and technology to effectively convert agricultural residue using a proprietary cocktail of enzymes and yeast becomes available via licensing.
The Departments of Energy and Agriculture and the State of Iowa have been important partners in bringing this technology to commercial scale. The DOE has awarded $100 million in grants to support the costs of engineering and construction, as well as biomass collection and infrastructure. The State of Iowa has taken a lead role in helping make Project LIBERTY a reality by contributing $20 million in grants for capital costs and feedstock logistics. USDA invested $2.6 million to support the delivery of more than 58,000 dry tons of corn crop residue, helping establish the feedstock logistics network.
Assuming continued support from the RFS program and depending on the adoption rate of cellulosic ethanol both in and outside the United States, POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels LLC has the potential to achieve net sales of about $250 million from bio-ethanol and license income by 2020 with EBITDA margins clearly above average.
Remarks about Project LIBERTY's Grand Opening:
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack: "The Project LIBERTY opening demonstrates that America is ready for advanced renewable energy production. USDA invested to help bring this facility online because it is boosting America's energy independence, cutting carbon pollution, and holds great promise for our domestic agriculture and energy industries. This facility has already created local jobs and opportunities for farmers, and it will continue to spur local investment and open the door for new technology and job growth across rural America. I congratulate the POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels team on their grand opening and for all they have done and the opportunities they will continue to create for farmers and rural communities."
Iowa Governor Terry Branstad: "We have been relentless supporters of the biofuels industry and know that the success of biofuels is a result of the efforts by hard-working farmers, the hard-working Iowans at the biofuels facilities and the communities that support them. In Iowa, more than 82,000 good-paying and important careers are supported by the biofuels industry. We want to work with companies like POET-DSM, and others, to sustain and grow more careers here at home."
Iowa Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds: "We're pleased to officially welcome POET-DSM to Emmetsburg today. Iowa is a proud agriculture leader, ranking first in the nation for the production of several commodities, including corn. That leadership helps our state also be a top producer of biofuels and saves consumers money at the pump and creates quality careers across our state."
Photos will be uploaded throughout the day to the POET DSM Flickr Stream. B-roll will be at www.poetdsm.com/libertymedia as it is available in the afternoon/evening.
Fast facts about Project LIBERTY:
- Capital costs are $275 million.
- Fuel from Project LIBERTY represents a GHG reduction of 85%-95% over gasoline.
- The plant employs more than 50 people directly, and biomass harvesting is creating another 200 indirect jobs in the community. In addition, hundreds of people were involved in the construction of the plant.
- The state of Iowa has estimated a $24.4 billion impact on the state over 20 years.
- Project LIBERTY will consume 285,000 tons of biomass annually from a 45-mile radius of the plant.
- Farmers remove approximately 1 ton of residue (~25%) per acre.
- Project LIBERTY will spend approximately $20 million annually purchasing biomass from area farmers, providing additional income to the farmers.
- Project LIBERTY will produce up to 25 million gallons of cellulosic bio-ethanol annually.