Enogen corn uses modern biotechnology to deliver alpha amylase enzyme directly in corn grain, saving the cost of adding liquid enzymes, improving process efficiency and ethanol plant throughput and yield, Sygenta claims.
The alpha amylase enzyme helps an ethanol plant to reduce the viscosity of corn mash, resulting in unprecedented levels of solids loading, thereby increasing ethanol yields and throughput, as well as saving critical costs from reduced natural gas, energy, water and chemical usage.
Syngenta renewable fuels head David Witherspoon said that the company has signed an agreement Arkalon Ethanol under which Arkalon will use Enogen technology that can add value to its operation.
"We have collaborated with Arkalon throughout this entire process and this agreement is a true example of our commitment to our customers, and the types of partnerships we want to form within the ethanol industry," added Witherspoon.
Arkalon is currently contracting with local corn farmers to produce and supply Enogen grain to its ethanol plant in 2014 at an average premium of 40 cents per bushel for the grain.
"This is a great opportunity for Arkalon and local farmers to add value to their operations and their communities.
"In our research, we’ve seen no yield drag between Syngenta hybrids with the Enogen trait and commercial hybrids of the same isoline without the trait, so the premium paid to the grower is a true premium and can really make a difference in their bottom line," Witherspoon added.
