Gevo plant reaches 50,000 gallon production milestone

Gevo, the world's only commercial producer of renewable isobutanol, has released an update on the progress of the Side-by-Side operational mode (SBS) of its plant in Luverne, Minnesota.

The isobutanol producer announced that the facility produced over 50,000 gallons of isobutanol in December 2014.

Last June, Gevo started the co-production of isobutanol and ethanol at the plant, with one fermenter dedicated to isobutanol production and three fermenters dedicated to ethanol production. Gevo aimed to reach the goal of producing between 50,000 – 100,000 gallons per month of isobutanol by the end of 2014.

'The anticipated benefits of switching Luverne to SBS have borne out. Producing alcohol in all four fermenters improves the operating environment for the optimisation of our isobutanol production by creating a continuous and stable mash flow and a more consistent recycle of water through the plant,' says Dr. Patrick Gruber, CEO, Gevo.

Other key highlights provided in Gevo's Q3 earnings release include:

• The implementation of a second-generation yeast isobutanol biocatalyst at Luverne, Minnesota, significantly improves plant operability.

• Increased the isobutanol fermentation rate by approximately 20% versus the best performing batch using first generation yeast.

• Can be produced in operating conditions that enable further mitigation of potential infections, as well as the improved management of the iDGs animal feed co-product.

• This second-generation yeast platform speeds up the development and implementation of new traits in Gevo's yeast through high-speed combinatorial techniques.

• NAPA Myers Auto Parts began selling off-road fuel developed by Gulf Racing Fuels containing blends of up to 16% of Gevo's renewable isobutanol in North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and Minnesota for use in boats, ATVs, motorcycles and snowmobiles.