POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels Joins Advanced Ethanol Council

The Advanced Ethanol Council (AEC) is pleased to welcome POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels as its newest member. POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels is a joint venture between POET, one of the world’s largest grain-ethanol producers based in Sioux Falls, S.D., and Royal DSM, a Netherlands-based life sciences and material sciences company with expertise in advanced enzymes and yeasts.

“As cellulosic ethanol becomes a growing force in fulfilling biofuel requirements in the U.S., it’s important for POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels to work with other industry leaders to help shape policies that ensure consumer understanding of – and access to – its environmental, economic and energy-security benefits,” said Steve Hartig, General Manager – Licensing for POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels. “We see membership in the Advanced Ethanol Council as a path toward growing the production of cellulosic ethanol domestically, which will help accelerate the pace of the global bio-based economy.”

POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels is nearing completion of a cellulosic ethanol biorefinery in Emmetsburg, Iowa, called Project LIBERTY, which will have a 25 million gallon annual capacity. The technology developed for the facility can be licensed to enable low-carbon, cellulosic ethanol production nationally and in forward-thinking developing countries that have a bio-based strategy.

“As a key player in the industry that has the proven know-how to scale up its advanced technology to commercial scale, POET-DSM is a strong, strategic addition to the Council’s ranks as cellulosic ethanol moves from the development stage to full-scale commercial production in 2014,” said Brooke Coleman, Executive Director of the AEC.

The Advanced Ethanol Council (AEC) represents worldwide leaders in the effort to develop and commercialize the next generation of ethanol fuels, ranging from cellulosic ethanol made from dedicated energy crops, forest residues and agricultural waste to advanced ethanol made from municipal solid waste, algae and other feedstocks. It is the only advanced biofuel group with the singular purpose of promoting advanced ethanol fuels and technologies.