UT Board of Trustees approved a business partnership with Mascoma Corp., a cellulosic biofuels pioneer, on Wednesday, Sept. 19. The facility is designed to benefit Tennessee farmers and communities by providing significant economic and environmental benefits and reducing dependence on foreign oil.

"This partnership consolidates the University of Tennessee's leadership role in the development of cellulosic biofuels," Colin South, Mascoma's president, said. "We look forward to our collaboration with the university as the institution possesses some of the finest scientists and research experts in the field of bioenergy. The university shares our vision that cellulosic ethanol will reduce our nation's reliance on foreign oil."

The leadership of the University of Tennessee and its trustees have demonstrated tremendous dedication and zeal towards the advancement of biofuel technology. Bruce A. Jamerson, Mascoma's chief executive officer

UT Biofuels Initiative, the research and business model for the new facility, is a critical element in the Tennessee Biofuels Initiative, which could establish Tennessee as a national leader in ethanol production from cellulosic biomass, according to David Millhorn, UT executive vice president.

"This should lead to new business and economic development opportunities for our farmers throughout the state," Millhorn said.

The facility will require 170 tons per day of switchgrass, which is used to make the principal product, cellulosic ethanol. Cellulosic ethanol is ethanol fuel made from switchgrass, wood chips and other non-food plant material. Using switchgrass to produce cellulosic biofuels is seen as a way to produce affordable, domestic, renewable fuel without raising food or feed costs.

Local production of switchgrass is being encouraged through an $8 million farmer incentive program, which is under development.  Farmers who participate will receive high-quality switchgrass seed for planting, along with research and technical support related to switchgrass production.

The planned facility will be located in Niles Ferry Industrial Park in Vonore, 35 miles south of Knoxville.  Construction is expected to begin at the end of 2007, and should be operational by 2009. The facility will be in Monroe County because the site is economical and agricultural, which is the goal for the Biofuels Initiative of using ethanol production throughout the state.

"The site sits in the heart of a productive farming region where the agricultural community has shown interest in the biofuels effort," said Dr. Kelly Tiller, director of external operations for the UT Office of Bioenergy Programs.

Bruce A. Jamerson, Mascoma's chief executive officer, said Tennessee and Mascoma have the ideal partnership for making Tennessee the first state to use switchgrass as an energy crop.

"The leadership of the University of Tennessee and its trustees have demonstrated tremendous dedication and zeal towards the advancement of biofuel technology," Jamerson said. "We look forward to working with our new colleagues as we progress through the stages that will ultimately lead to the production and distribution of a commercial product in Tennessee."

The state of Tennessee is expected to eventually produce more than one billion gallons of cellulosic ethanol a year, which could offset up to one-third of the state's petroleum usage.