US Company Ships First Cellulosic Biodiesel

KiOR, Inc., a US-based company that produces cellulosic gasoline and diesel fuels, has announced the initial shipment of the first cellulosic diesel ever produced in a commercial-scale facility.

KiOR has developed a proprietary technology that converts non-food biomass into transportation fuels. Its bioconversion plant in Columbus, Mississippi is known as "the world's first commercial- scale cellulosic gasoline and diesel facility". KiOR's renewable gasoline is also the first renewable cellulosic gasoline ever registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for sale in the U.S.

KiOR's announcement came as a breakthrough not only for the biofuel industry but also for every shut down paper mill in the country. Its Columbus plant uses pine wood chips previously feeding a local paper mill. The facility has demonstrated the viability of its proprietary catalytic biomass-to-fuel process and its potential to deliver cellulosic gasoline and diesel to consumers.

KiOR stressed a number of advantages of its biofuels projects. These biofuels, while being identical to petroleum based fuels and compatible with existing fuels infrastructure, are expected to significantly reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. The carbon emissions profile from the use of KiOR fuels is said to be comparable to or better than electric cars. The company is expected to contribute significantly to economic development in rural areas through construction and operation of its production facilities.