Both the state and the federal government are putting money behind a cellulosic fuel project that Michigan State University’s (MSU) is helping to facilitate in the Upper Peninsula.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) designated $26 million for Mascoma Corporation’s Kinross project, and the State of Michigan set aside $23.5 million for the project.
Mascoma Corporation is building a cellulosic fuel facility in Kinross, which is in the UP’s Chippewa County.
“Michigan is proud to partner with Mascoma as part of our commitment to lead the nation in alternative energy production,” says Gov. Jennifer Granholm about the announcement. “This company and their partners will create jobs in Michigan as they develop the next generation of cellulosic ethanol that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and make fuel more affordable for our families.”
MSU researchers will help Mascoma develop scientific processes that will utilize Michigan feedstock for cellulosic ethanol production. The university will also help the corporation figure out where the best resources are and how to most effectively get them to the planned site.
Source: Megan Brown, State of Michigan
Ivy Hughes, development news editor, can be reached here.
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