Biotech Boost to Ethanol Production

6 November 2004

Broin Companies has announced a new patent-pending ethanol production process that reportedly eliminates a costly energy-consuming step in the usual process while increasing the efficiency of the conversion.

The “Broin Project X” (BPX) process releases additional starch content for conversion to ethanol, increases protein content and quality of byproducts, potentially increasing plant throughput while significantly decreasing plant emissions.

Broin developed the enzyme-based process in its labs in partnership with Novozymes, a biotech leader in enzymes and bacteria. Broin filed patents for the BPX process and for the use of enabling enzymes for this new conversion system.

Broin, which has already implemented the process in production in three of its 19 plants,  will license the BPX process to the industry. The company manages, produces and markets more than 600 million gallons of ethanol annually, and is currently adding 100-200 million gallons of capacity through new design and construction.

Earlier in October, Broin licensed proprietary gene technology from Senesco to improve aspects of its ethanol production capabilities. Senesco’s technology regulates the onset of cell death. Delaying cell breakdown in plants extends freshness after harvesting, while increasing crop yields. Details remain confidential.

I would like to see some actual data on production throughput, energy cost and emissions, but this sounds promising, and one of many biotech-based announcements to come.