University of Tennessee and Dupont have partnered to create a pilot scale model of a cellulosic ethanol plant.The pilot plant and process development unit will be located at the Niles Ferry Industrial Park in Vonore, Tenn and will investigate the feasibility of switchgrass for biofuel.Additionally , sources such as corn stover, cobs, and fiber as feedstock would also be used as feedstock .Dupont was roped in by University of Tennessee after it failed to reach an agreement with Mascoma Corp.
Dupont technology lead John Pierce, said “ The high cellulosic content of switchgrass makes it an optimal feedstock for ethanol production. Its yields today make it more than competitive with other biomass sources, and it has the potential to produce over 1,000 gallons of ethanol per acre in the future. The joint venture is now targeting the two optimal biomass feedstock in the United States and we are ready to take our technology to the next level of commercial viability “
