A Canadian fuel service station in the Ottawa suburb of Nepean has become the first in the world to sell a “second generation” ethanol made with a blend of 90% gasoline and 10% cellulosic ethanol biofuel. As part of a month long trial, drivers can fill up with biotechnology firm Iogen's “CE-10″ blend, which is made from agricultural residue (the non-food portion of renewable feedstocks such as cereal straws and corn stover) that is normally just discarded. Plant waste material and wood chips as well as fast-growing energy crops like corn stover, switch grass and rice straw can be processed into cellulosic biofuel. Iogen's biofuel -- produced from structural plant matter called lignocellulose -- is appealing because the materials required are readily available and take far less energy to produce and process than the starches in corn and cane sugar fuel.
In addition to being fully renewable, cellulosic ethanol biofuel is identical in molecular structure to conventional corn and wheat grain based ethanol fuel sources, meaning that it can be easily integrated into the existing fuel distribution system. Iogen claims that their fuel alternative generates no nitrous oxide emissions (like other ethanol fuels) and emits 90% less CO2 compared to other types of fuel while providing comparable performance. Engine modification is not necessary with Iogen's cellulosic ethanol biofuel -- all North American automotive manufacturers approve 10 percent ethanol blends (E10) and flex fuel models manufactured by Ford, DaimlerChrysler and General Motors can automatically accomodate ethanol fuels up to 85% (E85). The Canadian government is supporting Iogen's endeavor by supplying grants that cover up to 40 percent of construction costs on their full-scale plant -- expected to be erected in Saskatchewan, Canada within the next few years. In addition to processing wheat straw, Iogen will also use forest residues to create their cellulosic ethanol biofuel.
Elizah Leigh
said on July 04, 2009