Assessment of Conversion Technologies for Bioalcohol Fuel ...

commercialize a biomass-to-ethanol process technology, combining biochemical
technology developed by RITE and engineering technology of Honda.
Technology Characteristics–The RITE/Honda biomass-to-ethanol process, shown
in Figure A18, is based upon a technology termed “enzymatic saccharification”
wherein a special saccharifying enzyme is applied to cellulosic feedstocks following a
pretreatment step, resulting in production of C5 and C6 sugars (glucose, xylose,
arabinose, etc.). A special microorganism developed by RITE, identified as
“corynebacterium” is also said to enhance the subsequent sugar-to-ethanol
conversion. A particular advantage claimed for the technology is its ability to reduce
the harmful effects of fermentation inhibitors common to most ethanol production
processes, allowing a significant increase in ethanol productivity. The RITE/Honda
process is intended for application to “soft biomass” feedstocks, meaning the inedible
leaves and stalks of various plants; examples mentioned include rice straw and corn
stover.
Development Status–A joint press release by RITE and Honda R&D in September
2006 announced the success of research progress to date, claiming that “the new
process represents a large step forward for practical application of soft biomass as a
fuel source”. The process has been patented in Japan. The success achieved to date
leads to identified next steps intended to permit scale-up and integration of the
individual process components into a single facility, together with further progress in
cost-reduction anddetermination of “social compatibility”.
Future Development Plans–RITE and Honda R&D have announced plans to
continue their joint venture and pursue further development stages for their process,
leading to “industrialization” of the process and incorporation into a biorefinery
producing ethanol and co-products, said to include “industrial commodities and
automotive products”. The joint venture’s plans include construction of a pilot facility
beginning in April 2007, intended to provide data results by the end of 2007. Following
this, a demonstration plant is intended to be designed and built beginning sometime in
2008.
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