Just saw this on another website, perhaps it has already been discussed here. Are these guys for real???????????
Here is the link: http://southwestfarmpress.com/news/ehtanol-plant-0208/
In a development that could dramatically advance the renewable fuels
industry, cellulosic ethanol is now in production at the first small
scale waste wood commercial facility operating in the U.S. Located just
1 mile South of Upton, Wyoming, the plant was engineered, constructed
and is operated by KL Process Design Group (KL). This is the result of
six years of development efforts between KL and the South Dakota School
of Mines and Technology.
KL’s
cellulosic ethanol plant is converting waste wood into a renewable
fuel. “It is now possible to economically convert discarded wood into a
clean burning, sustainable alternate motor fuel” said Randy Kramer,
president of KL Process Design Group, a design firm that has been
working in corn ethanol. “We’re proud of what this small company has
accomplished, and believe that our design will be a cornerstone from
which we can build our country’s renewable fuel infrastructure
providing a better source of motor fuel, starting today.”
KL
is using proprietary technologies and newly developed enzymes. “In our
experience with enzymes and ethanol production, we have incorporated
proven technologies that have been utilized for years in other
industries,” says Dave Litzen, VP of Process Engineering for KL Process
Design Group. “Through these processes, we are releasing fermentable
sugars hidden within the wood, without the use of environmentally
unfriendly acids.” KL projects that its cellulosic technology, coupled
with new applied design concepts, will allow the plants to build to
match the amount and type of feed stock available near large cities,
further lessening the fuel’s carbon foot print. KL’s Advanced Biofuels
plants will also produce excess electricity and/or steam heat that can
provide additional power sources for local municipalities or
complimenting biofuel plants and manufacturing facilities.
The
current production facility is utilizing soft woods, but successful
test runs have occurred making use of waste materials such as cardboard
and paper. “Renewable energy from cellulosic feedstock has long been
the dream of entrepreneurs and government officials alike,” says Tom
Slunecka, VP of Business Development for KL Process Design Group. “Our
objective is simple, to help solve our energy needs by supplying cost
effective renewable fuels from the excess cellulosic materials that
exist across the country and the world.”
