Novozymes Inaugurates Largest Enzyme Plant Dedicated to Biofuels in United States

31 May 2012 --- Advanced biofuels took a $200 million step forward on the march toward commercialization with the inauguration of Novozymes’ enzyme plant in Blair, Nebraska. Creating 100 career positions and 400 construction jobs, the plant will specialize in making world-leading enzymes, a key technology component for both the existing and advanced biofuel markets.

“Advanced biofuels are taking off. With private investments like those demonstrated here, biofuel plants are opening around the world – and we're proud our Blair facility is prepared to supply enzymes to some of the first advanced biorefineries, as well as to the existing industry,” said Peder Holk Nielsen, Executive Vice President of Novozymes.

 

As head of Novozymes’ Enzyme Business, Peder Holk Nielsen sees the new plant as a critical part of Novozymes global production chain, adding to its existing plants in China, Brazil, Denmark and the United States.

 

“The United States is the world’s largest biofuel market today, and many of the new advanced biofuel plants will be located in the U.S. Midwest, one of the main reasons we chose Nebraska for our new site,” said Peder Holk Nielsen.

 

In 2012-13, several advanced biofuel plants will open around the world, including Shengquan in China, Beta Renewables in Italy, GraalBio in Brazil and Fiberight in the United States. Global production capacity of advanced biofuels is expected to reach 15 million gallons in 2012, and for 2014, 250 million gallons are under planned construction.

 

Today’s 10 percent blend of biofuels in U.S. gasoline reduces gas prices for consumers by about a dollar a gallon. With volatility in many key oil-producing regions and the cost of producing oil continuing to rise, biofuels can make an even bigger impact.

 

Peder Holk Nielsen added, “We also chose the U.S. because of the huge and untapped capacity in America. We believe domestically made fuels that reduce prices at the pump, create jobs and increase energy independence are exactly what consumers want – and biofuels are a core part of that mix.”

 

With the recent approval of 15 percent blends by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and increased production capacity coming online, the potential goes even further: Bloomberg New Energy Finance estimates that by 2030, advanced biofuels could displace up to 16 percent of U.S. gasoline consumption, generate $600 billion in revenues and create 1.4 million jobs.

 

The inauguration of Novozymes’ new Blair facility was celebrated with employees, customers, community leaders and government officials, including the governor of Nebraska, Dave Heineman, U.S. Department of Energy Senior Advisor Jason Walsh and Blair Mayor James Realph.