Plans for a revolutionary cellulosic ethanol plant have just been unveiled by Mascoma Corporation in what will be the first commercial factory of its kind in the United States.
Set to be built in Michigan this year, over $350 million has already been invested, with other eager contributors that include General Motors and the government. The cellulosic ethanol plant will be the first of what is expected to be a huge market in the coming years, particularly given the fact that a new EPA ruling makes it obligatory for major gasoline companies to include a minimum of 6 million gallons of the substance in their annual fuel production.
E-Fuel Factories
Mascoma Corporation Builds America's First Cellulosic Ethanol Plant
Trend Themes
1. Cellulosic Ethanol - Companies can invest in and develop technology that enables the production of ethanol from non-food sources
2. Alternative Fuels - The production of ethanol from non-food sources can disrupt traditional gasoline production and provide an alternative fuel source
3. Sustainable Energy - The development of factories that utilize non-food sources to produce ethanol can be seen as a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to traditional fuel production
Industry Implications
1. Ethanol Production - The rise of cellulosic ethanol production presents disruptive potential to the traditional ethanol production industry, with non-food feedstocks yielding cheaper and eco-friendly methods of ethanol production
2. Automotive Industry - As fuel standard changes come into play, the automotive industry can position themselves as early adopters of alternative fuel technology
3. Technology - Investments and development in technology that enables the production of ethanol from non-food sources can be a challenge to traditional fossil fuel technology