Mascoma and Tamarack Energy Focus on Cellulosic Ethanol

The two firms are analyzing energy plant sites and localized cellulosic feedstock supplies in order to begin operation of a commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol production facility by combining Mascoma's cellulosic ethanol production technologies with Tamarack Energy's alternative energy development, financing and operations expertise.

"Given the number of sites across the Northeast with access to cellulosic feedstocks, including scrap wood, paper sludge, and other forestry and agricultural biomass, the region is ideal for the renewable energy economic development projects and integrated plants -- which Tamarack Energy and Mascoma can develop," said Tamarack Energy President Derek Amidon.

"Mascoma is leading the development of cellulosic ethanol technology for an economically competitive fuel alternative," added Mascoma President Colin South. "By working with Tamarack Energy to integrate our cellulosic ethanol plants into their bio-energy parks under development, we can reduce the cost and time required to bring cellulosic ethanol production to deployment and commercialization. This will enable Mascoma to provide a source for environmentally superior fuels, as well as create an economic development opportunity for rural America."

This partnership is expected to accelerate the commercialization of cellulosic ethanol, and begin complementing midwestern production of corn ethanol.