Gevo, Inc. Announces Development of Renewable Isoprene
January 28, 2019 at 09:00 am
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Gevo, Inc. announced that it has developed a proprietary, breakthrough catalytic process that transforms low-cost commercially available, or even waste by-product, renewable alcohols into renewable isoprene that would be expected to compete head-to-head on price with natural and petroleum-based chemical equivalents while reducing CO2 emissions. Isoprene is predominantly used in the production of synthetic-based rubber. The market for isoprene is estimated to be approximately USD 4 billion by 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 7% or greater driven by growth in the automotive sector. Gevo recently developed a chemical-based catalytic process to convert low-value “fusel oils,” a mixture of alcohols that are byproducts from fermentation processes such as ethanol production, into renewable isoprene. Fusel oils from the ethanol industry alone equate to about 2.5 million tons of potential bio-based waste feedstock.
Gevo, Inc. is a carbon abatement company focused on transforming renewable energy into energy-dense liquid hydrocarbons that can be used as renewable fuels, such as sustainable aviation fuel. The Company operates in three segments. The Gevo segment is focused on research and development activities related to the production of SAF, commercial opportunities for other renewable hydrocarbon products, such as renewable natural gas, hydrocarbons for gasoline blendstocks and diesel fuel, and plastics, materials, and other chemicals. Gevo segment also develops, maintains, and protects its intellectual property portfolio, provides corporate oversight services, and is responsible for development and construction of its Net-Zero Projects. The Agri-Energy segment is engaged in the operation of its Luverne facility and the development of the production of isobutanol, ethanol and related products. The Renewable Natural Gas segment produces-pipeline quality methane gas captured from dairy cow manure.