New enzymes turn waste into fuel

01.03.2010: The final product will work on several feedstocks.

Novozymes Inc., Denmark, launched a new commercial grade enzyme capable of producing cellulosic ethanol. The Cellic (CTec2) enzyme, when combined with the HTec2, will reduce current enzyme costs for cellulosic production down to approximately € 0.50 per gallon according to Novozymes. “Biofuel producers now have a critical component to turn agricultural waste into a competitive alternative to gasoline”, said Novozymes’ CEO Steen Riisgaard.

A combination of existing enzyme components, the new CTec2 is essentially a cocktail mix, drawing from those pre-existing enzyme components. According to Novozymes, the final product works on several feedstock types including corn cobs and stalks, wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse and wood chips.

The CTec2 has already been tested at Novozymes’ Denmark facility along with other pilot and demonstration cellulosic plants around the world. The new enzyme will make cellulosic ethanol more cost efficient.