CNE to upgrade JEIC biofuel facility

China New Energy (CNE) and Chinese state-Owned ethanol producer, Jilin Tianshun Biochemical Development, a subsidiary of JEIC, have signed an agreement of intent. The contract will see an existing, Jilin-located, JEIC production facility upgraded into a commercial-scale, integrated plant with an annual capacity of 50,000 tonnes of biofuel.

The redeveloped facility, which is costing an estimated RMB 200 million (€23,972,431.65), is set to commercialise CNE's primary technology for cellulosic ethanol and butanol production.

Completion of the Jilin plant is expected in late 2013.