Novozymes expands cellulosic ethanol R&D in California
Company logo of Novozymes. Image courtesy of Novozymes.Industrial enzymes manufacturer, Novozymes, is increasing research and development in cellulosic ethanol with the inauguration of two new buildings at its campus in Davis, California.
Another 25,000 square feet were added to the laboratory and office space, giving the Davis campus a total area of about 60,000 square feet spread over four buildings. The facilities will be focused primarily on the development of enzymes used in the commercial production of cellulosic ethanol. The enzymes currently being developed are set for commercial launch in 2010. Novozymes in Davis has so far doubled its size since 2005.
“Novozymes is investing heavily in the development of cellulosic ethanol. We have grown a lot in the past years and therefore need more space, both in terms of lab space and office space,” says Ejner Bech Jensen, president of Novozymes, Inc. in Davis. “With the addition of these new buildings we now have room to grow even further if that is required.”
Novozymes is also currently building a second-generation bioethanol research facility in Blair Nebraska, with a total investment of $160-200 million. Second-generation bioethanol is created using cellulosic biomass such as stalks, leaves, corn husks, wood chips, and sawdust. First-generation ethanol uses energy crops such as sugarcane and corn as feedstock for ethanol production.
Novozymes produces the enzymes that break down starch or cellulose in raw materials to produce bioethanol. Novozymes expects to deliver commercially-viable enzymes for the production of second-generation ethanol by 2010.
Novozymes is the world leader in industrial enzymes and microorganisms. The company serves industries such as food and beverage, biofuel, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, wastewater treatment, industrial cleaning, and virtually every other industry. The company’s single major shareholder is Novo A/S, which is wholly-owned by the Novo Nordisk pharmaceutical company of Denmark.
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Mike R. Lopez
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