Environment DEC
From the January 2007 issue
State Awards More Than 25 Million for Development of Cellulosic Ethanol Facilities
Two companies have been selected to develop and construct pilot commercial cellulosic ethanol facilities in New York State. They have been awarded a total of up to $25.2 million to increase the production of clean and renewable fuels and reduce our dependence on imported energy.
New York's plant will use wood
chips, which contain nearly
50 percent cellulose
The two projects will build upon ongoing research at several New York universities and accelerate efforts to make cellulosic ethanol a viable energy option for commercial use. These projects are an important step to attract investments in full-scale cellulosic ethanol facilities located in New York State, create new jobs and economic opportunities and develop new and expanded markets for local agricultural and forestry products. This is an important first step in making New York a major supplier of homegrown, environmentally friendly fuels that will reduce our nation's reliance on imported petroleum.
The state grants will be matched by the individual companies, resulting in significant private investments for the facilities. The projects are expected to create 48 permanent jobs initially, with the potential for additional job creation in the future. In addition, the facilities will create new markets for 45 tons of biomass per day, which will generate approximately $10 million in local economies during the next three years.
Cellulose Versus Corn Ethanol
Most of the ethanol currently produced in the United States is made from corn. Cellulosic ethanol uses biological or thermal processes to produce ethanol from plant materials such as grasses and wood, which are abundant in New York State. Studies indicate that less energy is required to produce cellulosic ethanol than to create corn ethanol, and that cellulosic ethanol provides as much as a 16:1 positive net energy balance.
The production of ethanol utilizes the principles of environmental sustainability - US Department of Energy
Combustion of biomass (e.g., corn or wood) results in a cyclic release and reabsorption of CO2 and has no net effect on atmospheric levels of CO2. Combustion of fossil fuel releases carbon that has been sequestered over geologic time and increases the atmospheric levels of CO2.
Although cellulosic ethanol holds tremendous potential to reduce the nation's dependence on imported petroleum, certain technical and other barriers need to be overcome before widespread production is commercially viable. The only commercial-scale production facility currently operating in the world is in Ottawa, Canada, though several pilot-scale facilities exist, and other commercial facilities are close to completion. The projects receiving state support will address important issues such as feedstock availability, input costs, engineering and overall viability.
