Novozymes (NVZ.L) was awarded a $12.3 million contract from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to improve the enzymes necessary to produce cellulosic ethanol.
Under the terms of the 2.5-year contract Novozymes has committed to increase the efficiency of the enzymes used in the conversion of cellulosic biomass to ethanol by two-fold. In combination with internally funded research and development to reduce enzyme production costs, this work will enable Novozymes to supply new and more cost-efficient commercial cellulases in pilot, demonstration, and commercial plants by 2012. Novozymes will match the DoE funding dollar for dollar, bringing the total investment of the research project to $25 million.
Novozymes’ project DECREASE (Development of a Commercial-Ready Enzyme
Application System for Ethanol) aims to improve the performance of
Novozymes’ most advanced enzyme system, to further reduce the cost of
cellulosic ethanol production.
Development of commercially viable enzymes for the production of cellulosic ethanol is the largest research and development effort in Novozymes’ history with more than 100 employees allocated. Novozymes has already confirmed plans to launch the enzymes required for commercially viable production of ethanol from cellulose by 2010, midway through this contract, and now plans to reach an enzyme cost target that is even further reduced by 2012.
This target is based on the use of corn stover as biomass feedstock.
In addition to the contract work, Novozymes is working to optimize the efficiency of enzymes on other pretreatments and second-generation feedstocks such as straws, sugarcane bagasse, and wood. The company is currently supplying experimental enzymes to a wide range of development partners in the US, China, Brazil, and Europe. Novozymes is currently the world’s largest supplier of enzymes for the existing first-generation (corn) ethanol industry.
This is the second contract Novozymes has received from the DOE. The first was awarded in 2001 for USD 18 million, targeting both improved enzymes and production processes for biofuel production. This latest contract will build on those results, specifically targeting the identification and implementation of more efficient enzymes.
Project DECREASE is carried out as a global collaboration between Novozymes researchers in California, Denmark, and China and our external partners: the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Cornell University in the US, and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique in France.
About Novozymes:
With over 700 products used in 130 countries, Novozymes’ bio-innovations improve industrial performance and safeguard the world’s resources by offering superior and sustainable solutions for tomorrow’s ever-changing marketplace. Novozymes’ natural solutions enhance and promote everything from removing trans-fats in food, to advancing biofuels to power the world tomorrow. Our never-ending exploration of nature’s potential is evidenced by over 5,000 patents, showing what is possible when nature and technology join forces. Our 4,800+ employees working in research, production and sales around the world are committed to shaping business today and our world tomorrow.
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