Michigan State University (MSU) is a key player in Boston-based Mascoma Corporation’s plans to build a $15 million wood-based ethanol plant in Chippewa County, in Michigan's heavily forested Upper Peninsula.
Mascoma needs MSU’s help developing the scientific processes that utilize Michigan feedstock for cellulosic ethanol production.
“We and Michigan Technology University (MTU), who is also working with us, are going to help them with the issue of biomass supply—mostly wood in that part of the state,” says Steve Pueppke, director of MSU’s Office of Biobased Technologies. “The idea is that when they build that large plant, they’re going to have to have a reliable source of raw materials.”
Mascoma, MSU and MTU are trying to figure out where the best resources are and how to most effectively get them to the planned site.
“We don’t have the experience with collecting and moving wood of the type and quantities they will need, so it really is a very, very different supply chain,” he says. MSU does have experience with the fermentation process and the engineering of biomass, which will come in handy.
Mascoma will be eligible for a $15 million federal grant from the state government that will go toward financing the new plant.
Source: Steve Pueppke, MSU
Ivy Hughes, development news editor, can be reached here.
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