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Work begins on $73m cellulosic biofuel plant in Oregon

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski, ZeaChem President Jim Imbler and US Senator Ron Wyden break ground on the biorefinery in Boardman

Colorado company ZeaChem, Inc,. broke ground yesterday on its first major biorefinery, at a site in Boardman, Oregon.

The firm is building a $73 million plant that will be capable of producing 250,000 gallons of cellulosic biofuel each year from woody biomass.

The project secured a $25 million grant from the US Department of Energy last month (see this BrighterEnergy.org story), and on successful completion will lead to the development of more commercial-scale biorefineries by ZeaChem.

Initially, the new facility will use Zeachem’s fermentation technology produce ethyl acetate, a chemical precursor to cellulosic ethanol.

The cellulosic ethanol production capability will be added in 2011.

Jim Imbler, president and chief executive officer of ZeaChem, said breaking ground on the new facility was a “significant milestone” for his company.

Mr Imbler said: “ZeaChem is greatly appreciative of the support from the local, state and federal governments, our investors, project partners and others who have made this possible.

“As a leader in this industry, ZeaChem is committed to producing economical and sustainable advanced biofuels and bio-based chemicals, creating jobs, and being a good neighbor in the community.”

Feedstock agnostic

ZeaChem has a contract in place with Portland-based GreenWood Resources to supply sustainable hybrid poplar trees from nearby farms as a feedstock for the new biorefinery.

The company its technology was “feedstock agnostic”, it would be able to make use of a range of herbaceous crops, agricultura residuals and other renewable biomass resources.

The biofuel plant developer said it has a “grow where you go” policy to locate its production facilities close to suitable energy crops to minimize transportation costs.

Companies like ZeaChem will help drive Oregon’s economy in the 21st century” - Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski said the new ZeaChem biorefinery was part of his state’s efforts to attract green companies, and develop cellulosic ethanol as a viable renewable resource.

Expectations are that the construction and operation of the new plant will create around 292 direct and indirect jobs in Oregon, including 167 in Morrow County, where Boardman is located.

Governor Kulongoski said: “Companies like ZeaChem will help drive Oregon’s economy in the 21st century as well as move us toward greater energy security and independence.”

Zeachem, which has its head office in Lakewood, Colorado, and operates a research lab at Menlo Park, California, said it has already built and tested technology for the Boardman plant at Hazen Research facility in Golden, Colorado.