500 T/A Cellulose-Based Ethanol Experimental Unit Starts up

China National Cereals, Oils & Foodstuffs Corporation (COFCO)
started the construction of a 500 t/a cellulose-based ethanol
experimental unit in April 2006. The unit was completed in
September 2006 and conducted successfully wet commissioning in
October.
   The project is located in COFCO Biochemical Energy (Zaodong)
Co., Ltd. The consumption of raw material corn stalk is around
3 500 tons a year. The pretreatment section of the project uses
continuous steam bursting equipment. The continuous steam
bursting technology is used for the first time in
cellulose-based ethanol units. Enzyme preparations are jointly
developed by COFCO and Novozymes of Denmark.
   COFCO is one of the corn fuel ethanol producers in China. It
was established on November 10th, 2006. COFCO Biochemical Energy
(Zaodong) Co., Ltd. is its subordinate biomass energy company.