Tennessee seeks outside investors for switchgrass-based ethanol

In Tennessee, the state’s switchgrass program, which aims to produce ethanol is seeking new investors. The program is currently using a new East Tennessee biorefinery to demonstrate the technology, in the hopes of attracting capital to bring it to market.

The state has already invested $70 million through 2012 and leveraged another $300 million from federal and private sources.

Kelly Tiller, CEO of Genera Energy who is active in the project, says the project could help create a billion-dollar trade in the state. And among potential investors, Genera Energy is currently in talks with oil companies involved in the supply chain.

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