Burning Bio News

Virent Energy Systems, Madison WI, is commercializing a biomass to gasoline technology. Virent calls their process ‘bioforming.’ Sugar water goes in and goes through a series of fixed-bed catalytic reactors, which break down the molecules of sugar and react them over the catalyst so that they recombine. It’s a self-sustaining, continuous reaction — gasoline from sugar water with a catalytic reaction process that is really unique chemistry. So far, the company has raised $70 million and boasts investors, including Honda (HMC) and Cargill. It also has a collaborative partnership deal with oil giant Shell (RDSA).

Salem businessmen, Diesel Brewing, plan to turn wood and dairy manure into butanol in Salem, OR. Diesel Brewing’s technology involves using a gasifier to convert the biomass into syngas. After separating the gases, a catalyst creates a chemical reaction with carbon monoxide and hydrogen to create butanol. The current pilot plant proposal would convert about 1 ton per day to fuel. Once it is successful the plan would expand to a 100 ton commercial plant.

Cobalt Biofuels, Mountainview, CA, plans to expand its biobutanol technology from a small laboratory-scale production to a pilot-scale plant that can produce about 35,000 gallons of fuel per year. Cobalt has engineered the Clostridium bacteria to produce higher yields and has added innovations to reduce process energy and water requirements. They have produced butanol from both paper and sugar processing wastes.