Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts with AVAP Award Number: DE-EE0007967 CX(s) Applied: A9, B1.31, B2.4 Bioenergy Technologies Office Date: 4/11/2017 Location(s): GA Office(s): Golden Field Office
Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance
April 13, 2017
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Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts with AVAP
Award Number: DE-EE0007967
CX(s) Applied: A9, B3.6, B3.15
Bioenergy Technologies Office
Date: 4/11/2017
Location(s): GA
Office(s): Golden Field Office
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to provide federal funding to AVAPCO LLC to validate processes that produce jet fuel and other byproducts from woody biomass, and develop plans for a demonstration-scale integrated biojet fuel production plant. This NEPA determination is for Phase 1. If the recipient is selected to move forward into Phase 2, further NEPA review will be necessary once Phase 2 tasks are defined.
Activities associated with Phase 1 of the proposed project would include data analysis, computer modeling, engineering design, laboratory scale research and development (R&D), and equipment relocation and installation. To validate the proposed integrated production process, the recipient would link together two previously established conversion processes by assembling small scale ethanol-to-ethylene (ETE) and alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) production plants at the Thomaston Biorefinery in Thomaston, Georgia. This facility is currently in operation, and would supply approximately 5 dry tons of woody biomass feedstock converted to cellulosic ethanol using existing production lines and equipment. A genetically engineered species of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) would be utilized to enhance ethanol production from cellulosic feedstock. Validation activities would take place over an 18 month period and result in the production of approximately 8 gallons of jet fuel. At the conclusion of the proposed project, process equipment would remain onsite for future utilization.