Researchers, economic development experts excited about potential for plant
At the University of Tennessee, Joe Bozell is seeking ways to make high-value chemicals used in everything from auto parts to nanotechnology from a humble blade of grass.
Switchgrass, which has received lots of attention as a source of biofuel, will become the ultimate feedstock for a biorefinery built by the state in partnership with Dupont Danisco. The demonstration plant, which initially will produce ethanol from corn cobs, started production late last year and will hold its grand opening on Friday.
The 250,000-gallon plant will serve as the last step for Dupont Danisco in development of biofuel from the so-called cellulosic sources before taking the process commercial.
But longer term, the facility also should give researchers a platform for development of new fuels, chemicals and energy sources, and that will hopefully draw additional research dollars along with private investment to the region.
Read the rest of the story on the Knoxville News Sentinel Website.
