Verenium starts up demonstration cellulosic facility

San Diego-based Verenium (Nasdaq: VRNM) announced today that it has begun the commissioning phase at its demonstration-scale cellulosic ethanol facility in Jennings, La.

Verenium said the 1.4 million gallon per year plant uses specialty enzymes to convert non-food biomass into ethanol.

"This is a major step forward and a transformational moment for Verenium and the next-generation ethanol industry as we seek commercially-viable alternatives to traditional fuel sources," said Carlos Riva, president and CEO of Verenium.

"This is a first for the U.S. and as we take the next step toward commercialization, we are breaking new ground and setting new standards for our industry."

The company said the start-up activities would continue as the Jennings facility transitions into a comprehensive commissioning phase.

Verenium said the commission phase would allow the company to evaluate its process for making ethanol at scale and validate cost and performance assumptions to prepare for the development of its first series of commercial plants.

"We must assure that this next-generation of ethanol is produced in a responsible manner to minimize the carbon footprint and deliver the energy this country so urgently needs," said Riva.

The company this phase puts it on track for its goal of beginning construction in the middle of next year on a 30 million gallon per year commercial plant, which it said would be the first of its kind, located in the southeastern U.S.