Novozymes to supply enzyme tech for Raizen's cellulosic ethanol plant

Novozymes has entered into a collaboration agreement with Brazil’s largest sugarcane crusher, Raizen Energia S/A, to supply enzyme technology to Raizen’s first commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plant in Brazil, scheduled to be operational by end 2014. The plant will be a bolt-on facility to Raizen’s Costa Pinto sugarcane mill in the state of Sao Paulo and will have the capacity to produce 40 million liters of cellulosic ethanol a year from sugarcane bagasse and straw. The agreement also provides for Novozymes to supply enzyme technology to Raizen’s second cellulosic ethanol plant, should such a plant be constructed.
 
To support Raizen in its efforts to advance cellulosic ethanol, Novozymes will develop enzyme technology optimised for Raizen’s process. Furthermore, Novozymes intends to establish new enzyme-manufacturing capacity in Brazil. The exact size, location and investment budget for this enzyme-manufacturing facility are not yet determined and will depend on the level of estimated demand for enzyme technology in Brazil.
 
“This first plant developed by one of the world’s largest sugarcane ethanol producers marks an important step in the commercialization of cellulosic ethanol in Brazil. We look forward to sharing the journey with Raizen and enabling this exciting development for Brazil through the delivery of world-leading enzyme technology,” said Thomas Videbaek, Executive Vice President of Business Development, Novozymes.