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 Commonwealth Biofuels LLC was formed by a diverse group of lawyers, businessmen, scientists and waste management professionals and will soon begin the construction and operation of a commercial scale ethanol production facility in Eastern Kentucky. The ethanol will meet all ASTM Standards for quality and will be marketed to major oil companies for blending with gasoline.
“We are dedicated to the research and development of second generation biofuels and promoting the use of bio-based fuels and products from non-food sources.” (Steve Manning, CEO Commonwealth Biofuels, LLC.) “Our goal is to ensure the environment, health and safety of the public and those working at all stages of the supply chain as new biofuels and processes come into use.”
Construction of a processing plant capable of producing one million gallons of commercial grade ethanol that will meet all state and federal regulations is expected to begin in 2010. Once operational the plant will employ approximately 75 people and will purchase crops from area farmers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service reported that the number of farms in Kentucky has decreased by one thousand from 2006, biomass production may offer a new crop for Kentucky’s declining farmers.
The study also indicated that 22.7% of the population living in the rural commonwealth are employed in farm and farm related jobs. A new cash crop would increase agricultural commodities in Kentucky, moreover it and would benefit the state’s gross income and tax revenue base.
Biofuels made from sustainable, renewable resources that can be produced in abundance in the Commonwealth will allow Kentucky to play a major role in today’s efforts to reduce our carbon footprint . Biofuels production will contribute to the future of growing our economy in today’s competitive marketplace.
A Kentucky county between Lexington and Morehead on the I-64 corridor will soon be the home to a new industry, second generation biofuel production. Second generation biofuel production will not only be environmentally friendly, it will also improve the quality of life for many local residents and farmers.
Economists, environmentalists, and both state and federal governments recognize the necessity of biofuels as the auto industry marches toward a greener future. Given the threat of finite oil reserves and carbon emissions associated with global climate change, scientists have been searching for renewable energy alternatives. Biofuels can provide a reliable domestic source of fuel allowing America to further wean itself of dependency on foreign oil.
Ethanol production from renewable resources such as non-food crops offers a viable energy alternative. The commercial production of biofuels derived from commodity crops (e.g. corn, sugarcane, and sorghum) is being widely developed in today’s market. Due to the negative economic impact on these commodities, however, scientists are researching non-food source, second generation biofuels.
The difficulty in converting the plant fiber to sugars has delayed the current industry’s ability to achieve desired production capacities. In their endeavor to improve product yield from cellulosic (non-food source) biomass, scientists are researching natural enzymatic catalysts that will drastically improve the efficiency of conversion into ethanol. This in conjunction with advanced renewable energy technology assures marketable production volumes of ethanol from cellulosic biomass.
The potential commercial implications for improved production volumes along with Kentucky’s vast agricultural resources offer a unique opportunity for Kentuckians to be leaders in second generation renewable energy. “With a dedicated energy crop that uses cost effective technology for producing ethanol from cellulose we can maximize overall energy production per acre of land for increased economic viability.” (Josh Manning , Managing Member, Commonwealth Biofuels, LLC)
The commercialization of biofuels production will create new jobs in Kentucky in addition to providing farmers with a sustainable high-yield energy crop. A perennial crop will allow for the utilization of existing equipment and unused farmland. One advantage to growing energy crops in Kentucky is carbon dioxide uptake. The plants utilize carbon dioxide and remove it from the atmosphere. In addition, the selected energy crop will require very little fertilize or pesticides and will have excellent erosion control properties that may help in the reclamation of abandoned mining sites.
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