Why they're Hot: Iogen – #26 so far (#23 last year)

The Latest News: In August, Shell and Cosan announced that they have signed binding agreements to form a $12 billion joint venture for the production and commercialization of ethanol and power from sugar cane. The resulting joint venture, if completed, will be the 3rd largest ethanol producer in the world with 4,500 retail stations and annual production capacity of 2 billion liters (440 million gallons). Shell has announced that it will contribute its 16% equity interest in Codexis, and its stake in Iogen Energy, to the new entity with the goal of “deploy[ing] next generation biofuels technologies in the future.”

The Digest’s Take: Iogen, which has been operating its cellulosic ethanol pilot since the mid 2000s, has not updated recently on its commercialization timeline, but the creation of the Shell-Cosan JV has strengthened the focus on advanced bioenergy options and opportunities. Look for a big decision on Iogen’s future  in 2011.