U Georgia researchers develop high-yield, mild pretreatment process for cellulosic ethanol

Researchers at the University of Georgia say that they have developed a milder, faster pretreatment process for cellulosic ethanol production from grasses, woody biomass, and corn stover. The research team said that the new process eliminated the need for harsher, more expensive, slower pre-treatment processes, and that the new process increases the production of simple sugars by a factor of ten. The university said that it would license the technology.

Pretreatment background

In Colorado, the leading biofuels media, research and development company, BBI International, has established a subsidiary to develop cellulosic ethanol plants. BBI BioVentures will construct a series of 4-5 Mgy plants that will use local feedstock that requires little or no pretreatment, a costly step in proudction. Projects will be co-located with existing plants to minimize cost.

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