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Amyris' integrated biorefinery operations for domestic renewable diesel and chemical production

Abstract: 
Amyris Biotechnologies, Inc. was recently awarded a DOE Integrated Biorefinery to develop US-based production capabilities for No Compromise renewable fuels and chemicals derived from high-impact crops such as sweet sorghum. The primary product of the Amyris IBR is Amyris Diesel, the first advanced biofuel to be registered for use by the US EPA. Secondary products include lubricants, polymers and other petro-chemical substitutes. These products are derived from the same C15 fermentation intermediate as is Amyris Diesel, constituting diversification of business opportunities to de-risk commercial production. Commercial US production of Amyris Diesel from sweet sorghum is targeted for 2013 with potential partners in Hawaii, California or the Southeast US. Amyris' integrated production process uses low-risk, industrially proven yeast-based fermentation of traditional or lignocellulosic-derived sugar feedstocks. Amyris' fermentation product is readily recovered as a water-immiscible oil, fermentation waste will be treated by anaerobic digestion to reduce effluent and utilize residual sugars for biogas production. Resulting biogas will be converted to hydrogen via steam-methane reformation for use in product finishing processes. Amyris' presentation will detail its IBR project workflow, process design, partnerships and critical success factors. De-risking US commercial production from lignocellulosic feedstocks and scaling up at a pace capable of meeting EPA and state targets for GHG reduction will be emphasized as Amyris develops capabilities in the US to parallel and expand upon its Brazil scale-up efforts.
Institution: 
US department of Energy
Domains-Issue Area: 
Dimensions-Problem/Solution: 
Industry Focus: 
Energy
Datatype(s): 
Events, Organizations