Vertimass hits ‘critical scale-up’ milestone

California based Vertimass has announced completion of the intermediate technology validation from the US Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technology Office (BETO). The BETO validation verified performance against negotiated milestones, provided progress on scale-up, and reviewed Vertimass’ estimated cost for their transformative catalytic technology.

Developing a catalyst technology to convert ethanol into jet fuel, diesel fuel and gasoline blend stocks compatible with the existing fuel infrastructure, Vertimass believes the BETO verification paves the way to move to the demonstration scale.

"We are excited to clear this critical scale-up milestone with the Department of Energy and look forward to moving our novel process closer to commercial reality," said Dr. Charles Wyman, Vertimass president and chief executive officer. 

"This technology allows ethanol producers the ability to virtually eliminate the ethanol blend wall that now impedes market growth for sustainable fuels, and to produce renewable hydrocarbons. The result can be significant expansion in production of renewable fuels and chemicals while maintaining a low greenhouse gas footprint in the process."

COO of Vertimass John Hannon claims a low capital cost to ethanol producers is a major advantage of the technology.

"These systems can be added to existing ethanol producers' facilities at fractions of the cost of a new facility while providing product flexibility that can adapt to changing market conditions. Producers can capitalize on the value this novel technology brings to the market."

Vertimass Chairman Bill Shopoff commented: "By breaking through the ethanol blend wall, this technology opens the door for massive job creation ranging from corn and cellulosic feedstock collection and logistics supply, to plant construction and operation."