Yesterday POET announced the start of cellulosic ethanol production at POET Research Center in Scotland, S.D. (pictured here under construction). Late last year, we finished construction of an $8 million pilot facility that is now producing cellulosic ethanol from corn cobs.
After 30 days and 1,000 gallons of production, we've been able to replicate all of our lab results and are now moving on to improve the overall process, in preparation for commercial production.
News coverage was plentiful and can be found over on our web site. If you'd like to listen to the entire 40 minute news conference with POET CEO Jeff Broin, Brownfield was kind enough to post it here. We've also posted a transcript of Jeff Broin's opening statement.
Several blogs also picked up the coverage. Treehugger said it's a sign that POET seems to be weathering things a bit better than others at the moment. The New York Times blog Green Inc. thought it was more indicative of the industry shifting toward cellulosic ethanol production, saying: The race to make cellulosic ethanol is heating up just as some corn-ethanol plants are shutting down. The announcement was also mentioned at Green Car Congress and Domestic Fuel among others.
POET produced a documentary about the pilot facility in Scotland, S.D. A preview as posted to POET TV because YouTube wouldn't let us put up the full documentary. Here's the preview:
