b'ENERGY SOLUTIONSResilience and Innovation for Bioethanol ProductionSCOA Collaborates to Promote Renewable Fuel Solutions from Californias Woody BiomassI n its constant quest for new methods to provide sustainable energy solutions, SCOA together with Allotrope Partners LLCand Axens North America recently joined forces to develop a groundbreaking commercial plant; the aim is to produce cellulosic bioethanol using the innovative Axens Futurol process * , with an emphasis on utilizing woody biomass sourced from Californian forests. This venture, spearheaded by Allotrope Cellulosic Development Company LLC (ACDC), will not only produce high-quality bioethanol but also play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of devastating wildfires that have plagued California in recent years.By harnessing feedstock derived from local forest thinning materials and agricultural residues, SCOA, Allotrope Partners, and Axens endeavor to contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions released into the atmosphere during wildfires. The production of commercial-grade bioethanol serves as a vital step towards achieving Californias low-carbon objectives. This project aligns with SCOAs overarching mission to contribute to society by actively seeking out and implementing environmen-tally friendly solutions.Sandro Hasegawa, the General Manager of SCOA Energy Innovation Initiative Americas, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, SCOA is pleased to partner with Axens and Allotrope in this landmark project and will contribute to this study by consolidating and applying the knowledge and skillsFrdric Balligand, Vice President of Axens Renewables Product of the Sumitomo Corporation Group acquired through variousLine, emphasized the positive impact of the partnership on the businesses. This includes the development and deployment oftransportation sectors carbon intensity.carbon-free energy using hydrogen, ammonia, and next-gener- The commitment from the Allotrope and Sumitomo teams ation biomass, raw fuel gas, and by promoting the use of greento deploy Axens Futurol technology at multiple US plants, chemicals to construct a circular economy. Balligand said, and to utilize a wide variety of woody biomass Allotrope is excited to continue its efforts to develop a seriesfeedstocks is another great example that the low carbon mar-of advanced biofuels projects in California in partnership withketplace values both the flexibility of the Futurol technology Sumitomo and Axens, noted Marc Stuart, CEO of Allotropeand Axens significant technology de-risking achievements. Partners LLC. Axens Futurol technology is ready for com- We believe each organization brings complementary strengths mercial scale roll out and Sumitomo will be a valuable partnerto this relationship, and, together, we can make meaningful across the entire project development process, from feedstockcontributions to reduce the Carbon Intensity of the transpor-sourcing to the sale of final products into the markets. tation sector, utilizing ethanol as a renewable energy carrier Bioethanol has garnered global attention as a renewable energyfor gasoline blending and potentially SAF and bio-chemicals source and feedstock for various biofuels and bio-chemi- production,cals, driving countries towards carbon-neutral societies. TheMoving forward, the three companies will explore the feasibility cellulosic bioethanol derived from woody biomass qualifies asof establishing an initial plant capable of producing 60,000 Advanced Bioethanol under the EU Renewable Energy Direc- tons of bioethanol from locally sourced feedstocks. In line tive (RED) program and as Cellulosic Fuel according to the USwith their commitment to achieving a decarbonized society, EPA Renewable Fuel Standard. This classification reflects itsthe project will consider carbon recycling initiatives, such as potential for sustainable scalability and low carbon intensityCCU utilizing carbon-neutral, biogenic CO2 generated during compared to other available fuels and blending components inbioethanol production, as well as the utilization of residues from the market. the fermentation process, including the production of Renew-able Natural Gas (RNG).8 visions Fall 2023'