Pacific Ethanol awarded $3 million grant

Renewable fuel producer Pacific Ethanol has been awarded $3 million (€2.4 million) to develop grain sorghum as a low-carbon feedstock.

The research will take place at its plants in Stockton and Madera in a bid to replace a percentage of the corn that is used.

The renewable energy producer's award is part of $7.7 million awarded in grants by the California Energy Commission under the state Alternative and Renewable Fuels and Vehicle Technology Programme.

Californian ethanol producers Aemetis and Calgren Renewable Fuels are also working with Pacific Ethanol to develop grain sorghum for the production of ethanol.