Cellulosic ethanol is a biofuel produced from the fibrous cellulose and hemicellulose fractions of herbaceous (switchgrass, corn stover, miscanthus) or woody biomass, as opposed to a plant’s seeds or fruit, and the cellulosic ethanol expert deals with these feedstocks that are mostly inedible, eliminating the “food v. fuel” arguments that sometimes surround standard biofuels. Almost all routes to cellulosic ethanol involve biomass collection and delivery, followed by the deconstruction of the cellulose to sugar by high-severity chemical & mechanical pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation, and distillation. Due to the low cost of feedstock and government incentives, there is great interest in cellulosic ethanol and its potential for strong economic return. Cellulosic ethanol experts and consultants may come from various backgrounds including agriculture, biology, chemistry, process engineering, metallurgy, pulp and paper, or wastewater treatment.
Cellulosic ethanol experts/consultants may assist developers with DOE grant or funding opportunity applications, plant design, equipment selection construction, or retrofitting. They may assist in investors’ due diligence activities when investigating a developer’s claims, including independent engineering review or heat & material balance review. They may assist cellulosic ethanol plant operators to make the plant run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. They may assist obligated parties under RFS2 in buying quality cellulosic ethanol or Renewable Identification Numbers (RINS). In matters involving cellulosic ethanol-related litigation, the consultant may serve as an expert witness to help attorneys understand the issues.
For more than 25 years, Lee Enterprises Consulting has been at the forefront of the bioeconomy. Our highly differentiated market position centers around our deep subject matter expertise in very specialized areas. We help clients minimize technical and economic risk by leveraging best practices in our industries, and we have a long track record of providing insightful analysis and practical advice. Our reputation is unparalleled because we provide a simplified process, with a single point of contact to a diverse international network of proven experts in biofuels, biomaterials, feedstocks, alternative proteins, and existing & emerging technologies. Providing access to over 150 world-renowned bioeconomy experts allows us to create tailored solutions to meet each project’s individual needs. Please take a look at our experts and the services we provide. Call us at 1+ (501) 833-8511 or email us for further information.
See also “Cellulosic Ethanol, Past, Present & Future“.