Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company in Benson is again leading the way -- this time turning to farm biomass to provide steam and thermal energy to operate their ethanol production plant.
The company first began turning farmer-raised corn into ethanol to power Minnesota cars. CVEC has also been aggressive its own distribution system for E-85.
The company also developed and marketed its America's world-class vodka and other productsAs reported Thursday in the West Central Tribune, the company announced this week that Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company has reached an agreement with Frontline BioEnergy LLC of Iowa to install a prototype gasification system at the company's Benson facility. The prototype technology installed will be used in a gasification process turning biomass collected from area farms into a clean-burning, synthetic gas. The gasification will use extreme temperatures to convert the fuel source into a synthetic gas that can be combusted like natural gas.
The company is investing more than $15 million for services, equipment and materials to replace the natural gas that now provides the steam and thermal energy required to produce ethanol at its plant. Through the company's investment in Frontline BioEnergy, Chippewa Valley also acquires ownership in Frontline.
With this latest announcement, Chippewa Valley is once again continuing its leadership in helping develop unique products and technology for west central Minnesota.
ADVERTISEMENT
In addition to seeing biomass as a cost-competitive fuel source, the company hopes to continue its leadership in renewable energy as well as developing a new revenue source for Chippewa Valley members and other farmers in the region.
Best wishes to Chippewa Valley in the successful development of its latest innovation.
