DONG Energy and Inbicon inaugurate one of the world’s largest demo plants for 2nd generation biofuel

Danish Prince Joachim inaugurated the DONG Energy and Inbicon cellulosic ethanol plant in Kalundborg, Denmark, on Wednesday, November 18. The facility is one of the world’s first and largest 2nd generation ethanol demonstration biorefineries. Genencor’s Accellerase© enzymes are used in the plant’s innovative process for converting straw to fuel. Genencor, a Division of Danisco, was the first to market with commercial enzymes for converting cellulosic materials, such as agricultural and forestry wastes and bioenergy crops, into biofuel. The DONG/Inbicon technology will provide ethanol for E85 fuel (85% ethanol), which will fill the tanks of VIP cars for the UNFCCC Global Climate Summit in Copenhagen, from December 7 to 18.

Danisco’s CEO, Tom Knutzen attended the inauguration. “Danisco is pleased to see the great progress DONG and Inbicon have made, and we offer our congratulations,” said Knutzen. “As a supplier of enzymes for the plant, we have followed the construction phase with great anticipation. Danisco is driving the future of enzymes for 2nd-generation biofuel through our sales to leading players like DONG and others, and through our other collaboration, the joint venture DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol (DDCE). We’re also pleased to know that VIPs at the Climate Summit will be driving around on renewable fuel made by our enzymes.”

Michael Persson, VP Finance & Corporate Affairs, Inbicon, said, “It has taken years of testing, perfecting, and patenting the biomass conversion process to reach this phase of large-scale commercial demonstration. It’s a great advantage to work with industry leaders like Danisco, and our other suppliers, as collaborators in driving the future of biofuels innovation. Together we’ll play a vital role in making the shift to cost-effective renewable fuels, building the low-carbon economy, and creating economic growth opportunities through advanced biorefineries.”

The Kalundborg facility will work on scaling up the process to commercial volumes. Annual production includes 5.4 million liters (1.5 million gallons) of biofuel, as well as lignin pellets and molasses.

Genencor launched Accellerase 1500 and three accessory products in April 2009, and will introduce a new generation of Accellerase in 2010. 

For further information, please contact

Jennifer A. Hutchins, Division Communications

Tel.: +1 (585) 256 5280

E-mail: jennifer.hutchins@danisco.com

Carl Corneliussen, Media Relations Manager, Danisco

Tel.: +45 32 66 29 26

E-mail: carl.corneliussen@danisco.com

Press release in English