First-Ever Car Powered by Government Paper Waste Makes Debut at Washington Auto Show - VIDEO ENHANCED
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WASHINGTON--For the first time in U.S. history, a vehicle fuelled by government office wastepaper and waste cardboard will drive the streets of Washington D.C. today. Global bioinnovation company Novozymes has partnered with Maryland-based Fiberight to provide the demonstration fuel.
“The advanced biofuels showcased here today demonstrate that the enzyme technology is ready for market. What we need now is commercialization and deployment of advanced biofuels in order to help meet our country’s most pressing energy and environment challenges”
“The advanced biofuels showcased here today demonstrate that the enzyme technology is ready for market. What we need now is commercialization and deployment of advanced biofuels in order to help meet our country’s most pressing energy and environment challenges,” said Adam Monroe, president, Novozymes North America.
During today’s ‘Ride ‘n Drive’ event, government VIP’s and members of the media will get the chance to test drive a flex-fuel Chevrolet HHR at the Washington Convention Center. In the exhibition hall, a flex-fuel Ford F150 – also fuelled with the wastepaper-based biofuel – will be on display throughout the week. Both vehicles run on E85, a blend of 85 percent biofuel and 15 percent gasoline.
Novozymes multi-year research and development efforts have resulted in an enzyme cocktail that can now be used to make advanced biofuel from agricultural residues, municipal waste and energy crops. The biofuel demonstrated at the show is produced by Fiberight (www.fiberight.com). After a sequence of pulping, pre-treatment and wash, enzymes from Novozymes turn the paper and cardboard waste into sugars that are then fermented into biofuel. A sample of the paper feedstock will also be on display throughout the show.
Click PLAY to watch the Novozyme enzyme video
The company is no stranger to the government spotlight. President Bush visited Novozymes headquarters in North Carolina in February 2007 to learn about enzyme technology which resulted in part of the plans for the Renewable Fuels Standard.
Novozymes also received two contracts from the DOE for its research efforts to bring down the cost of enzymes and improve their efficiency in converting cellulose to biofuels. The first contract for $2.2 million was given in 2002, and the second for $12.3 million was given in 2008.
As a result of this work, Novozymes has been able to achieve significant reductions in enzyme costs over the years, notably the 50 percent reduction announced in 2009. Most recently, the company received a $28.4 million tax credit toward the construction of its enzyme manufacturing facility in Blair, Nebraska which will create 100 new green jobs.
Advanced biofuels can deliver up to 90 percent CO2 emission reduction compared to gasoline and are the most cost-efficient way of reducing CO2 in the transport sector. In 2009, the deployment of Novozymes’ technologies in all industries resulted in the reduction of CO2 emissions totaling approximately 27 million tons – the equivalent of taking 7 million cars off the road.
About Novozymes
Novozymes is the world leader in bioinnovation. Together with
customers across a broad array of industries, we create tomorrow’s
industrial biosolutions, improving our customers' business and the
use
of our planet's resources. With over 700 products used in 130
countries,
Novozymes’ bioinnovations improve industrial performance and
safeguard
the world’s resources by offering superior and sustainable solutions
for
tomorrow’s ever-changing marketplace. Novozymes’ natural solutions
enhance and promote everything from removing trans-fats in food, to
advancing biofuels to power the world tomorrow. Our never-ending
exploration of nature’s potential is evidenced by over 5,000 patents,
showing what is possible when nature and technology join forces. Our
5,200+ employees working in research, production and sales around the
world are committed to shaping business today and our world tomorrow.
Novozymes is quoted on OMX Nordic Exchange Copenhagen A/S (NZYM B).
Read
more at www.novozymes.com.
Click PLAY to watch a video about Danish company Haldor Topsøe that is also creating fuel from paper
