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Michigan-based Dow Chemical Co. and the U.S. DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory announced an agreement on July 16 to jointly develop and evaluate a process that will convert biomass to ethanol and other chemical building blocks. The project, which will be conducted at NREL's thermochemical user facility, does not have a start date.
Dow's mixed alcohol catalyst is seen as the key to unlocking the potential for cellulosic biofuels. Through a gasification process, biomass materials, such as corn plant leaves and wood waste, will be converted to synthesis gas. Dow's technology helps convert the synthesis gas into a mixture of alcohols, including ethanol.
"NREL is interested in reducing the cost of biofuels in support of the nation's energy goals," said Dan Arvizu, NREL's director. "Dow's catalyst technology and expertise in catalyst development and testing will be extremely helpful as we evaluate the viability of this approach on a larger scale."
The program will focus on improving the mixed alcohol catalyst, demonstrating pilot scale performance and showing the commercial relevance of an integrated facility.
"This agreement exemplifies how Dow uses its technology to generate sustainable solutions that address energy challenges in the U.S., while building our portfolio of alternative energy and feedstock options," said Juan Luciano, Dow's business president of hydrocarbons and energy. "By using ethanol derived from biomass as an alternative raw material or feedstock, Dow is exploring new ways to reduce the cost and volatility of its inputs to produce chemicals and plastics that are essential to a wide range of consumer products."
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