Gevo makes isobutanol from cellulosic biomass

Following a $1.8 million (€1.38 million) award from the US Department of Energy and Agricultural Biomass R&D Program for the ongoing development of a cellulosic biocatalyst, privately held renewable chemicals and advanced biofuels firm Gevo has produced isobutanol from fermentable sugars derived from cellulosic biomass.

The CEO of Gevo, Patrick Gruber, said: ‘Today’s announcement demonstrates Gevo’s progress in making its biocatalyst viable for use in cellulosic biorefineries. As the cellulosic ethanol industry becomes operational, companies could have the option to produce isobutanol instead of ethanol.’

The company has also managed to produce isobutylene and paraffinic kerosene (jet fuel) from the cellulosic isobutanol.