Project Liberty, sponsored by POET, will produce about 25 million gallons of ethanol per year.
POET estimates the project will also bring about $14m in new revenue to area farmers.
Project Liberty will use corncobs, leaves and husks, sources provided by local farmers.
The project’s process uses enzymatic hydrolysis to convert waste into ethanol and will produce enough biogas to power both Project Liberty and POET’s adjacent grain-based ethanol facility.
Project Liberty will displace over 13.5 million gallons of gasoline annually and fulfill about 25% of the projected 2013 Renewable Fuel Standard Requirement for biomass-based cellulosic ethanol.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Project Liberty will generate millions of dollars in revenue for the local economy.
