Dutch co. licenses cellulosic ethanol tech to Mascoma

American company Mascoma, much ballyhooed for its own research into cellulosic ethanol processes, is obtaining yeast-based cellulosic technology from a Dutch company.

Royal Nedalco, a European ethanol technology leader, has signed a licensing and joint development agreement with Mascoma to "further both companies' initiatives to commercialize ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass," the two companies said in a statement.

Nedalco will license its yeast-based technology for use in Mascoma’s recently announced demonstration plant (see Mascoma gets money for cellulosic ethanol demo) and for use in future Mascoma commercial plants, Nedalco said.

The two companies say they plan to explore collaborative research efforts to accelerate production of second generation bioethanol.

The companies expect to exchange related know how and to engage in specific joint research programs to develop lignocellulosic ethanol from agricultural side streams, such as straw and wood waste.

”We consider Nedalco’s technology a key innovation in making fuel ethanol from cellulose a practical and sustainable reality for consumers,” said Mascoma President and Director Dr. Colin South.

Royal Nedalco has international technology and patents in the production of ethanol from lignocellulosic ethanol. The company has developed a new fermentation process, using modified yeasts capable of converting lignocellulosic biomass, including straw and wood waste, into ethanol.

Nedalco recently revealed its plans to build a second generation lignocellulosic ethanol plant in the Netherlands, which is to be operational in the second half of 2008.

Mascoma is developing bio and process technology for cost-effective conversion of lignocellulosic biomass in the United States, and is completing designs and partnerships to build and operate commercial cellulosic ethanol plants using both internally developed and licensed technology across multiple biomass feedstocks.

Mascoma received founding investment from Khosla Ventures and Flagship Ventures and has since received Series B funding from a consortia of leading venture capital firms (see Biomass-to-ethanol developer Mascoma gets $30M shot in arm.)

Royal Nedalco (www.nedalco.nl) is a subsidiary of Royal Cosun, one of the oldest industries in the Netherlands.

Cleantech developments making news in the past 24 hours

• Econcern partners on €863M Chinese wind farm deal
• Behind the scenes at Cleantech Forum Shanghai
• Infinite Power raises $13M to ramp thin-film batteries
• Hawaii becomes next stop for Better Place
• Thar Technologies looks at India's karanj, jatropha for biodiesel

View the last week of cleantech developments here | Subscribe to full feed