NORWELL, Mass., Oct. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- BioEnergy International, LLC (BioEnergy), a science and technology leader in the development of biorefineries that produce biofuels and specialty chemicals from renewable resources, announced today the launch of the first world class, next- generation research center at 42 Cummings Park in Woburn, Mass.
The 11,000 square foot lab will serve as BioEnergy’s strategic hub for leading innovation in the development and commercialization of next generation biofuels, biopolymers, and specialty chemicals from renewable sources. The bench-scale facility will validate, advance, and optimize BioEnergy’s novel technology in support of its commercialization efforts around the world.
“I look forward to the day when a pound of sugar from renewable raw materials replaces the use of petrochemicals in the manufacture of everything from the fuel we put in our cars to the plastics and fabrics we use in our lives,” stated Chairman and CEO Stephen J. Gatto. “This is an exciting time for BioEnergy, as we have spent the better part of two years searching for the right location for this major multi-million dollar investment. I am especially proud of our Research team: its efforts will have extraordinary implications in the fight to reduce our nation’s dependency on imported oil.”
The BioEnergy facility embodies the company’s mission to craft a strategically integrated program, design a pioneer facility, and assemble a team of renowned industry leaders in all critical areas of next generation biorefineries including process engineering, pre-treatment, microbial platforms with advanced microorganisms and biocatalysts, fermentation, hydrolysis, enzymology, and chemical engineering.
Dr. Mohammed Moniruzziman, Vice President for Research and Development, heralded the potential impact of the new facility. He remarked, “The launching of this initiative in Woburn will unleash breakthrough technology and catapult BioEnergy as the standard bearer in next-generation cellulosic biorefineries. It builds on the foundation of BioEnergy’s core competency as the leading producer of specialty chemicals using microbial fermentation of biomass sugars-including cellulosic 5 and 6 carbon sugars-and our unrivalled expertise in processing certain cellulosic feedstocks such as bagasse.”
Dr. Moniruzziman is responsible for BioEnergy’s worldwide research and development efforts to advance and optimize biologically derived and environmentally friendly bio-based products. BioEnergy’s decade of experience in enzyme development and scaling up of cellulosic technologies has allowed the company to contribute to the transformation of the U.S. economy from dependence on petrochemical-based products toward bio-based and renewable fuels.
Senior Vice President for Research and Development Dr. Joseph Glas stated, “I predict that the science and engineering leaders in our state-of-the-art facility will develop technologies for the commercialization of biorefinery processes and products that will win the race for production of the first commercial bio-refined chemicals derived from cellulosic wastes.”
Chairman of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Climate Change Edward J. Markey commented, “I’m delighted to welcome BioEnergy to Woburn. The company’s forward-thinking and innovative approach to the development of biofuels will help us to, first, rely more on home-grown fuel derived from plants grown in the Mid-West instead of oil from the Middle East; and ultimately, to produce fuel from the waste stream of urban areas of Metropolitan Boston.”
Congressman Bill Delahunt said, “I want to congratulate Steve Gatto and BioEnergy International for their success in developing this project here in Massachusetts. Our region has the potential to be a world leader in the development of renewable fuels which will not only help us address climate change, but boost our emerging clean energy industry.”
“Governor Deval Patrick has said that Massachusetts will be a world leader in clean energy, and companies like BioEnergy International, doing research and development here in the Commonwealth and bringing products to market, will make it so,” said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles. “This new biofuel research center will help BioEnergy, and Massachusetts, stay at the cutting edge of renewable energy technology.”
As Executive Vice President of Meredith & Grew, one of the area’s leading biotechnology real estate firms, Jim Elcock said, “Meredith & Grew was fortunate to work with BioEnergy on the siting for its new research center. Our client’s vision and strategic approach enabled us to locate a facility in Woburn that fulfilled all of their real estate and business needs.”
About BioEnergy
BioEnergy International, LLC, headquartered in Norwell, Mass., is a privately held science and technology company committed to developing multi- product biorefineries through the use of proprietary technology for production of fuels and specialty chemicals from renewable resources. BioEnergy’s strategic vision is rooted in the integration of three specific initiatives: the creation of a secure cash flow stream through two conventional corn-based ethanol facilities and effective development of inexpensive sugar platforms; the diversification of the company’s product portfolio through the introduction of novel biocatalysts for the manufacture of green chemicals and biopolymers; and the optimization and commercialization of cellulose technology for retrofitting into existing and future plants on a global scale. BioEnergy recently received a significant boost of $61.6 million from an investment team comprised of Plainfield Asset Management, Camulos Capital, Itera Ethanol, LLC and Context Capital Management. For information, please visit http://www.bioenergyllc.com.
CONTACT: Stephen J. Gatto, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, or
Corinne Young, Director of Government Affairs, +1-781-681-5050, both for
BioEnergy International, LLC
Web site: http://www.bioenergyllc.com/
