By: Diana Johnsen
djohnsen@kcautv.com
The day of producing cellulosic ethanol is almost here.
Companies like Poet Refinning and DSM Advanced Biofuels have been working for years on producing cellulosic ethanol as an alternative to corn grain based ethanol.
It is an alternative that's environmentallly friendly, and its source, crop residue, is easy to come by.
"We're not using that grain of kernel anymore that can be argued with as food or being used as feed and food. This is really a waste product. It's out there in abundance," said POET Biomass Logistics Director, Adam Wirt.
Up until now, cellulosic ethanol has had its fair share of critics like those that feel using too much crop residue can damage a field.
These concerns do come with merit as even engineers behind this idea say residue like husks, cobs, and leaves that are left on fields help put nutrients back into the soil.
That is why POET and DSM teamed up with Iowa State University and researched just how much crop residue they could safely take from the soil.
They decided that they will take only about 25 percent of what is on the field to ensure that the field stays healthy.
"We take a lot of time and focus on what we do. That it is the right method and that we're not taking too much," added Wirt.
Currently, the company's cellulosic ethanol plant also known as "Project Liberty" is being built just outside of Emmetsburg, Iowa.
Already, about 140 farmers are signed up to supply crop residue for the plant.
"It's a long process, but it's hopefully going to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and hopefully help us out a lot," said farmer Mason Hoffman.
The plant hopes to open late next year and have signed contracts from at least 300 more farmers which will hopefully help fuel the way of the future of ethanol.
