M&G breaks ground on ethanol plant

M&G, a Novozymes partner, conducted the groundbreaking ceremony for an ethanol plant on 12 April 2011.

Located in Crescentino, Italy, the production facility will produce 13 million gallons a year of cellulosic ethanol from wheat straw, energy crops and other forms of biomass. It is due to start production in 2012.

'Laying the foundation for the world's first commercial-scale ethanol plant here in Crescentino is an important milestone for us and at the same time a new beginning,' says Vittorio Ghisolfi, present of the M&G Group. 'This plant proves cellulosic bioethanol can be produced in a sustainable manner for the environment and for the industry. But research is not stopping here. We are assessing bio-based substitutes for a range of other petrochemical products and chemical intermediates.'

Enzyme producer Novozymes will supply the enzymes for the plant.

'Today's groundbreaking is fantastic news and signals the dawn of a new green era,' comments Poul Ruben Andersen, marketing director bioenergy, Novozymes. 'With this state-of-the-art facility, M&G proves there is a cure for the world's addiction to fossil fuels. Biofuel made from lignocellulosic biomass is no longer a distant pipe dream. The technology is ready and the plant will be built and run on commercial scale, offering a compelling alternative to gasoline.'

The new facility will also feature a power plant, making it self-sufficient in power. Excess electricity will be fed back to the grid.

Once completed, the plant will create 100 jobs.