Monday, 14 March 2011

Novozyme sees cellulosic plants appearing by 2012/13

Enzymes for conversion of cellulose to sugars

Early in 2010, we took a major leap with the launch of the highly efficient Cellic CTec2
product. Cellic CTec2 enables the cost of producing cellulosic ethanol to be brought down
to USD 2 per gallon using best available technology. Although it is currently not the
enzyme cost that is holding the technology back from commercialization, we are
continuing to work on further improvements in enzyme efficiency.

Currently, the main hurdles to commercialization lie in constructing plants, building an
efficient infrastructure, and securing demand for the alternative fuel. With higher oil prices,
loan guarantees made available, and further technology advancements, we are confident
that the commercialization of cellulosic ethanol will become a reality. It currently seems as
if the first large-scale commercial cellulosic ethanol plants will be up and running in
2012/2013, providing the proof of concept that would accelerate the building of further
plants. We see interesting developments for cellulosic ethanol together with our partners
across geographical markets such as North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, all of
which need to meet increasing demand for liquid fuels.

Source: Novozyme, Company announcement

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