The University of Tennessee Research Foundation and DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol today announced a partnership to build a pilot biorefinery and research and development facility for cellulosic ethanol at the Niles Ferry Industrial Park in Vonore, Tn.

The partnership will draw on UT’s expertise in cellulosic feedstock production and its work with Tennessee farmers to grow switchgrass to be a dedicated cellulosic energy crop, officials said.

The biorefinery will have the flexibility to process biomass ethanol from two feedstocks: corn stover, cobs and fiber; and switchgrass, when the first crops are mature. The expected capacity is 250,000 gallons of cellulosic ethanol annually.

“This partnership will keep Tennessee on the cutting edge of new transportation fuels and put us one step closer toward gaining clean energy independence,” said Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.). “Supporting emerging technologies like this will help decrease our dependence on oil from foreign countries that are trying to kill us by bankrolling terrorists. Cellulosic ethanol shifts the focus from crops we eat to crops we don’t eat, such as switchgrass which could grow all across our state. I thank Governor Bredesen for his continued leadership in making Tennessee a leader in clean energy technology.”

Sen. Bob Corker said, “The high gasoline prices that are hurting so many people across our state and country are the result of one simple concept: supply and demand, and to solve our country’s energy crisis we need to produce more energy here at home. Today’s news is a step toward increasing our energy supplies and further solidifies Tennessee’s leading role in the development of cellulosic ethanol. This announcement also shows a marriage of innovative forces in Tennessee’s educational, scientific, agricultural and business communities that are making our country more energy secure while creating jobs and growing the economy of our state.”

“The University of Tennessee is a leader in alternative energy research and biofuel technology and the joint initiative with DuPont further emphasizes their work. I am very pleased that this venture is moving forward and that the research facility and plant will be located in Vonore,” said Congressman John J. Duncan Jr. “There is nothing that is hurting our national economy more than rising energy costs. In the long run, this work will help bring down energy costs.”

“East Tennessee continues to be in the forefront of bioenergy development. The research and demonstrations being performed here are going to help lead our nation out of its dependence on foreign oil. This partnership gives rural Tennessee an economic boost while fostering the future export of clean energy technologies to the world,” said Congressman Zach Wamp.

The groundbreaking of the facility will be in September with the expectation that ethanol should be available from the pilot biorefinery by the end of 2009. Construction funds will come from the state of Tennessee and an investment from DDCE.

Gov. Phil Bredesen said the project will involve a partnership between the University of Tennessee and DuPont to advance the state’s clean energy technology initiatives.

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.”