Web exclusive posted Feb. 21, 2008, at 5:20 p.m. CST

Cellulosic ethanol start-up Coskata Inc. hosted an open internet conversation Thursday, Feb. 21, regarding its plans to produce ethanol for under $1 per gallon from carbon-based waste material.

Coskata Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Wes Bolsen answered public questions during the chat, which was open to media and public. A transcript of the conversation will be posted on the Web site.

Last month, Coskata announced it was pairing with auto giant General Motors to produce 10 billion gallons of cellulosic ethanol by 2022, using a variety of waste materials. The Illinois newcomer was selected for its pioneering technology, which it claims can produce up to 7.7 times more energy than what is used in making the ethanol.

A three-step process uses gasification, bacterial conversion and excretion. Locally available feedstocks are broken down by proprietary microorganisms. Biomass sources will include switchgrass, Miscanthus, wood chips, forestry products, corn stover, bagasse, municipal solid waste and industrial organic waste. Since garbage, old tires, plastics and plant waste are readily available, Coskata will locate its plants near the waste stream, which will keep costs down.

Last month, Coskata announced a partnership with ICM Inc. to build a 100 MMgy cellulosic ethanol plant, which is expected to be operational by 2011. Plans are to eventually locate a series of cellulosic plants across the country, producing ethanol from geographically available materials.

Coskata, which also wants to launch a global cellulosic ethanol initiative, plans to have a 40,000-gallon pilot plant producing cellulosic ethanol later this year.