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Print Edition StoriesTuesday, December 8, 2009
DOE awards up to $50M to biochemicals firm Myriant
By Mass High Tech staff
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Quincy-based Myriant Technologies LLC has received an award of up to $50 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to help finance a renewable biochemicals facility in Louisiana.
Myriant, which broke off from BioEnergy International in June, is planning a facility at the Port of Lake Providence in Louisiana, where it would develop bio-based succinic acid. Myriant said that its project was the only one of the 19 that focused on bio-based chemicals rather than biofuels.
The Myriant project seeks to produce succinic acid from biomass. The acid is used in a variety of applications, such as plastics, fibers, polyesters and pigments. The Louisiana project will use local sorghum and carbon dioxide, using less energy than petroleum-based alternatives.
“We are grateful for the validation of our technology embodied in the award by the DOE,” said Stephen J. Gatto, Chairman and CEO of Myriant. “We applaud their recognition of the importance of biobased chemicals as a leading component of biorefineries. Our Succinic Acid platform provides a “win-win” solution in terms of cost, environmental benefits and reduction in our dependence on imported oil and puts critical jobs to work right here in the United States.”
Myriant develops sustainable speciality chemicals, utilizing proprietary technology and low-cost cellulosic sugars. The company began commercial-scale production of another chemical, D(-) lactic acid, in June 2008 for use in polylactic acid. Its second product, biobased Succinic Acid, is available now in sample levels.
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