Ethanol plant planned for the UP

Gov says agreement puts Michigan at the forefront of next-gen fuels

It’s called a cellulosic ethanol plant and it is coming to Michigan, the Upper Peninsula to be exact. Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm and Mascoma Corp. CEO Bruce A. Jamerson announced Friday that several agreements have been reached to move along the Massachusetts company’s efforts to build its first commercial-scale plant about 80 miles north of the Mackinac Bridge.

Agreements with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and JM Longyear, along with alliances formed with Michigan State University and Michigan Technological University, should help bring the plant to Chippewa County, south of Sault Ste. Marie, where clean-burning, fuel-grade ethanol is to be produced from wood fiber.

“Long before the current run-up in petroleum prices, we declared Michigan’s intention to lead the nation in alternative energy production and help reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” Granholm said.  “Mascoma’s next generation biomass-to-ethanol technologies are integral to wide-scale ethanol production, and this plant will put Michigan on the leading edge of technology that will create good-paying jobs for Michigan citizens.”

Continued -Mascoma’s single-step cellulose-to-ethanol method, called consolidated bioprocessing, or CBP, uses advanced technologies to make ethanol from non-food-based renewable sources such as wood chips and other biomass.  The clean-energy technology is critical to producing ethanol more quickly, efficiently and economically.

Mascoma says it chose Michigan for its first commercial-scale facility based on the vast sustainable forests and agricultural materials available and the expertise provided by JM Longyear.  In addition Mascoma will collaborate with MSU and MTU to develop and hone scientific processes that utilize Michigan feedstocks for cellulosic ethanol production.

“Working with the state of Michigan, two of its leading universities, and JM Longyear on this significant project brings us closer to commercial scale production of biofuels that can promote energy independence, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and stimulate regional economic development,” Jamerson said.

Since becoming governor, Granholm has been an advocate of growing an alternative energy and alternative fuel industry in Michigan.  Under her leadership, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, led by President and CEO James C. Epolito, has worked with Mascoma to secure one of two locations in Chippewa County.  Engineering work is under way to finalize a site that will be secured through a land swap under negotiation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.  Thursday the Legislature passed enabling legislation, and with the governor’s signature, Mascoma will be eligible for a $15 million grant to become Michigan’s first Center of Energy Excellence.

“There are great synergies in Michigan for Mascoma, not only in the ready supply of wood fiber across northern Michigan, but also great research institutions with a long-time focus on this science and our 21st Century Jobs Fund that is tuned to bringing job-creating alternative energy ventures to Michigan,” Epolito said.

“This new facility will mean more jobs in our agriculture, timber, and manufacturing industries while benefiting our environment and energy security as a nation.”

Mascoma and Marquette-based JM Longyear, a leading natural resource company, entered into a strategic relationship to combine Mascoma’s technology with JM Longyear’s significant project development experience, including its recent $1.6 billion Minnesota Steel project and its deep natural resource experience.

“Mascoma’s revolutionary technology combined with site integration and innovative supply chain strategies position Michigan to lead the nation in the advancement of new, clean energy production and job creation,” said JM Longyear CEO Stephen Hicks.