ZeaChem, and the Renewable Fuel Standard

Biofuels Digest
Jim Lane January 9, 2012

ZeaChem launches its 250,000 gallon per year core process.

How could this possibly matter, in the context of a 500 million gallon cellulosic biofuels target for 2012, that was waived down to 10 million?

As it turns out, a lot. The RFS is in much better shape than its critics advertise. Here’s why.

In Colorado, ZeaChem reported they have begun core facility operations at their Boardman, Oregon biorefinery.

The core will initially produce 250,000 gallons of the intermediate chemicals acetic acid and ethyl acetate, which are high-value products for applications including paints, lacquers and solvents. ZeaChem will sell bio-based chemicals to commercial and industrial customers seeking renewable and cost-competitive alternatives to petroleum-sourced chemicals.

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