July 17

Dow Chemical Co. and the U.S. Department of Energy´s National Renewable Energy Laboratory are teaming up to develop a process to convert biomass to ethanol.

The process will use nonfood material, such as corn plant leaves or wood waste, to produce ethanol using a mixed alcohol catalyst from Dow that the company thinks is the key to unlocking the potential of cellulosic ethanol.

"NREL is interested in reducing the cost of biofuels in support of the nation´s energy goals," said Dan Arvizu, director of the NREL. "Dow´s catalyst technology and expertise in catalyst development and testing will be extremely helpful as we evaluate the viability of this approach on a larger scale."

Contact Waste News reporter Joe Truini at (330) 865-6166 or jtruini@crain.com

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