Novozymes says government cellulosic support critical

At the 4th Annual World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing in Orlando, Fla., enzyme developer Novozymes introduced what it called a five-step strategy to achieve economically viable cellulosic ethanol.

And, according to the company, all five steps would ideally involve federal and state funding.

Recently recognized by President George W. Bush for its research in alternative fuel technology (see the Cleantech Group's The greening of the U.S. President), Novozymes is a leader in applying advanced enzyme technology to the production of fuel from grain and cellulosic feedstock.

Novozymes' five steps to commercial viability of cellulosic ethanol introduced at a press conference by Per Falholt, the company's chief scientific officer, include:

1. Continued funding of research and development, specifically in the areas of biomass conversion and the development of a commercial process technology.
2. Establishment of flexible configuration testing and development centers, geographically distributed to address multiple types of biomass feedstock and integrate processes (pretreatment, hydrolysis and fermentation). This echoes calls by some for government support of regional R&D centers that could be shared among vendors (see Investor David Aslin on ethanol, biodiesel and the man)
3. Scientific advancement to increase cost efficiency by improving underlying agricultural practices (collection and harvest of biomass) and pre-treatment methods.
4. Scientific advancement in biotechnology (including enzyme technology, metabolic engineering and novel separation methods).
5. Continued bi-partisan support of a national infrastructure to support practical implementation, including funding, incentives and tax credits.

While a statement from Novozymes on its five point plan was vague as to where the "funding" and "support" requested above would come from, a spokesperson clarified to the Cleantech Group that the company strongly believes federal and local government help is needed, not just private industry.

"We are going to need to see the states step up to the plate. There have to be a number of players that come to the table," said Yokima Cureton, communication manager for North America, who even suggested federal legislators look for cellulosic money in the forthcoming farm bill renewal.

"We're proud to be in North Carolina, where there's a strong history of state support for these kinds of projects. More states need to do the same," she said.

Novozymes is among dozens of biofuel research and development companies that are soon to be splitting hundreds of millions of dollars of U.S. federal government funding (see the Cleantech Group's U.S. government granting $385M to six cellulosic ethanol plants)

While Novozymes will see some of that money through a partnership with Broin Companies, one of the grant recipients recognized by name, it's setting the expectation that much more is needed to make cellulosic ethanol cost-effective.

“Cellulosic ethanol fuel is poised to create a multidimensional positive impact on the world’s economy, resources, environment and political situation. [We need to] foster not only the scientific progress of cellulosic ethanol, but also the commercial viability of this critical energy source,” said Novozymes' Falholt.

Among Novozyme's competitors are Diversa, and Vinod Khosla-funded Mascoma.