Bredesen welcomes DuPont as new partner in Tennessee's clean energy technology initiative

Governor Phil Bredesen today announced a partnership between the University of Tennessee and DuPont to advance the state’s clean energy technology initiatives. The partnership will construct a pilot-scale biorefinery and state-of-the-art research and development facility for cellulosic ethanol in Vonore, Tenn. Bredesen proposed and the General Assembly provided $40 million in funding to build a pilot biomass ethanol plant in the FY 2007-2008 budget.

 

“This announcement signifies a major step forward in Tennessee’s efforts to become a national leader in the development of clean energy technology,” Bredesen said. “The partnership with DuPont will keep Tennessee at the forefront of biomass ethanol research and production and allow us to take advantage of the economic opportunities of the future.”

 

The design of the biorefinery will incorporate the flexibility to operate on two different biomass feedstocks – corn stover, cobs and fiber; and switchgrass.

 

“During a time of skyrocketing energy and oil prices, this effort represents a smart energy strategy, a smart economic strategy and a smart environmental strategy,” said Bredesen. “Most importantly, it helps create new markets and new opportunities for Tennessee farmers. The investment we make today in farm-based fuels and clean energy development will position Tennessee for the economy of the future and bring more good paying, high quality jobs to rural areas.”

 

In 2006, Bredesen formed the Alternative Fuels Working Group as a first step in developing an alternative fuels strategy for Tennessee. In 2007, the Governor and the General Assembly set aside more than $72 million to position Tennessee to be a national leader in the production of biomass ethanol and related research. Earlier this year, Bredesen established the Governor’s Task Force on Energy Policy to focus on further development of clean energy technologies.

 

UT President John Petersen noted, “The technical breadth and execution capabilities of DuPont Danisco, along with the backing of their parent companies, raise the profile of the Tennessee biofuels initiative, confirming the State of Tennessee as a leader in the development of cellulosic ethanol.”

 

DuPont Danisco Technology Leader Dr. John Pierce participated in today’s announcement at the State Capitol. “Our technology is ready and we are eager to get the steel in the ground,” he said. “Now targeting two optimal biomass feedstocks, we are ready to take our technology to the next level of commercial viability.”