# Fuel From Wood Chips Mascoma Corp. Revs Up Woodship Ethanol for Prime-Time (UPDATE) By Katie Cordrey | Published 2009-03-01 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eco-fuel-demonstrations-woodchip-ethanol-is-revving-up-for-prime-time References: [blogs.edmunds](http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/2009/02/new-york-cellulosic-plant-begins-producing-ethanol-from-wood-chips.html) [General Motors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/equinox-ev)-backed Mascoma Corporation has developed a proprietary enzyme process to convert wood chips into ethanol fuel. The corporation is putting that process to the test. Up to 200,000 gallons per year of the [alcohol-based fuel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compressed-biogas-energy) is being produced at a Rome, New York demonstration refinery. General Motors will use the fuel in its test car fleet. **Implications** - The proposed plant in Northern Michigan may also be equipped with the same technology because of so many nearby [lumber mills](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-jacket). Cost is a big factor though because it would cost an estimated $200 million to build the factory. The featured video provides an overview of cellulosic ethanol production while managing to be entertaining and educational. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 12% | Activity: 70% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Wood Chip Ethanol:** Using proprietary enzyme process to convert wood chips into ethanol fuel, presenting an opportunity for sustainable and renewable energy sources. - **Cellulosic Ethanol:** Advancing the production of ethanol from cellulosic biomass, offering a potential breakthrough in the biofuel industry. - **Alternative Fuel Sources:** Exploring renewable and eco-friendly fuel options, driving innovation in the transportation sector. ### Who This Affects Most - **Renewable Energy:** Developing sustainable solutions for energy production, specifically in the conversion of wood chips into ethanol fuel. - **Biofuel:** Revolutionizing the biofuel industry with the advancement of cellulosic ethanol made from wood chips. - **Transportation:** Driving innovation in the transportation industry by exploring alternative fuel sources like ethanol made from wood chips. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sustainable Truck Modifications](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clearflame.md) - [Gasoline-Producing Prototype Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aircela.md) - [Discarded Wood Construction Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woodoo.md) - [Reimagined Structural Timber](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superwood.md) - [Wood-Derived Sodium-Ion Batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fraunhofer-ikts.md) - [Omni-Fuel Vehicle Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/andrietta-concept-car.md) - [Hydrogen Fuel Supplies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-hydrogen-cartridge.md) - [Improved Battery Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/battery-sustainability.md) - [Yeast-Based Oil Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yoil.md)