Cost-effective enzymes for second-generation bioethanol ready by 2010

Let me draw your attention to the Danish company Novozymes, the leader in bioinnovation and the largest supplier of enzymes for the existing ethanol industry, with a current market share of more than 55% in enzymes for fuel ethanol. Novozymes has been working since 2001 on enzyme development for cellulosic ethanol, where agricultural waste products like straw and corn stover are converted into ethanol. Today our overall effort within cellulosic ethanol represents the largest R&D effort in Novozymes' history, with more than 100 employees allocated.

Cellulose, known from woody plants and grasses, is the most abundant organic polymer on earth, but is far more difficult to degrade than simple starch from corn and wheat. Like starch, cellulose is composed of long chains of sugar, but the fibrils are embedded in a network of hemicellulose and lignin. Enzymes are the key to degrading cellulose and releasing the sugar, which in turn is fermented into ethanol. Today, Novozymes is confident that the company will have a cost-effective enzyme ready for second-generation bioethanol by 2010.

According to the Renewable Fuels Standard in the US, cellulosic ethanol will grow to become the biggest contributor to renewable fuels in the US in 2022. From a global perspective, bioethanol and biodiesel might deliver a considerable share – approximately 23% – of the global energy structure in 2030.

Bioethanol can make a significant contribution to counteract climate change
Besides contributing to the global energy supply, bioethanol also contributes to counteracting climate change. Leading scientists estimate that in order to limit global warming to 2°C, the annual CO2 emissions in 2030 must be reduced by about 7 Gt carbon, compared to a business-as-usual scenario. Biofuel holds the potential to deliver between 6 and 13% of this need. However, it will require ambitious political initiatives.

I'd like to arrange a meeting for you with Key Note Speaker, Per Falholt, Executive Vice President, Research & Development, of Novozymes at The World Biofuels Markets Congress on March 13. He can provide more specific background and details on the progress in Novozymes' efforts to develop cost-competitive enzymes for cellulosic ethanol. Please contact me if you would like an interview,

Best regards,
Annegrethe Jakobsen
Communications Manager, Novozymes A/S

Direct: +45 3077 3050
E-mail: AgMJ@novozymes.com