Appalachian Biofuels to build enzyme-fed biodiesel plant

Appalachian Biofuels is investing $3.5 million (€2.8 million) to manufacture biodiesel from waste feedstocks using immobilised enzymes.

A new startup company plans to build an enzymatic biodiesel production facility in Russell County, Virginia, with funding from the state government.

Virginia beat out South Carolina in competition for the project, according to a press release by Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe. He approved a $200,000 grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund to assist Russell County with the project.

'We were introduced to Southwest Virginia and to this new immobilized enzyme through the Virginia Israel Advisory Board and its director, Ralph Robbins,' said Chuck Lessin, president and CEO of Appalachian Biofuels. 'This revolutionary process will allow us to use the many tools, information and human resources that the Commonwealth has available.'