Glava, Iowa-based Quad County Corn Processors celebrated the grand opening of its 2 MMgy bold-on cellulosic facility on Sept. 9. The project, which converts corn kernel fiber into ethanol, began operations earlier this summer. 

“Today marks a historic moment for QCCP. Much time and energy has gone into this project and we are proud to be among the first plants in the nation to produce next-generation cellulosic ethanol,” stated Delayne Johnson, CEO of QCCP, in a statement.  “To the naysayers out there who believed cellulosic ethanol would never come to fruition, just take a walk around the plant today and you will see that cellulosic ethanol is truly a reality.”

Previously known as the Adding Cellulosic Ethanol project, the process has been renamed Cellerate. The technology is a collaboration between Syngenta and Cellulosic Ethanol Technologies LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of QCCP.

According to information released by Syngenta, the Cellerate process aims to increase a plant’s production by allowing corn kernel fiber to be converted to cellulosic ethanol. The bolt-on facility in place at QCCP’s 35 MMgy corn ethanol plant is expected to boost overall ethanol production by 6 percent. Syngenta noted that Enogen corn, when used in conjunction with Cellerate, is expected to deliver greater benefits than could otherwise be achieved through either technology alone.

Bob Dinneen, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, was among those who participated in the grand opening event. “To the management, staff and investors of Quad County Corn Processors I say a hearty congratulations on your vision and your commitment to seeing it through, he said. “To EPA I say get out of Washington and see what is happening in places like Galva, Iowa.

“Today’s event underscores the utter absurdity of EPA’s plan to scale back [renewable fuel standard (RFS)] levels. Cellulosic ethanol is here today,” Dinneen continued. “Here in Galva people are making the RFS work. Here farmers are fighting for America’s energy security. Here people care about reducing carbon emissions, lowering gasoline prices and providing consumers a choice at the pump. I hope EPA is watching what is happening here today.”