US DOE supports ‘green’ catalyst technology

Vertimass, a sustainable transportation fuel technology company, has been selected for the negotiation of an award to receive a $2 million (€1.6 million) grant from the US Department of Energy.

The grant was awarded to enable the commercialisation of 'green' catalyst technology that converts ethanol into petrol, diesel and jet fuel blend stocks that remains compatible with current transportation fuel standards.

The company, which has an exclusive global license for the technology from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), now intends to expand the ethanol market.

Vertimass' new technology has an estimated annual production capability of 140 billion gallons, a level which saturates current use as 10% blends with petrol.

It is expected to be included in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): 'With the ability to add the catalyst to existing plants at a rapid pace and low cost, the new product will help meet the goals of the Renewable Fuel Standard and also aid the Federal Aviation Administration achieve their target of 1 billion gallons of renewable aviation fuel by 2018,' Charles Wyman, president and chief executive officer, Vertimass.