Following the closure of DuPont's cellulosic ethanol plant in 2017, which incurred substantial investment losses, Verbio North America Corp. seized the opportunity to revive the facility. Rather than pursuing cellulosic ethanol, Verbio focused on the conversion of corn stover into renewable natural gas (RNG), a more economically viable alternative.
Verbio, a subsidiary of Verbio Vereinigte BioEnergie AG from Germany, successfully transformed the plant into North America's largest industrial renewable natural gas facility. While many RNG producers rely on dairy manure or landfill waste, Verbio uniquely utilizes approximately 100,000 tons of corn stover in their production process.
The German blueprint for Verbio's operations in Nevada, which encompasses three similar RNG facilities and a couple of biodiesel plants, has been adapted to suit the North American market. Verbio's recent acquisition of South Bend Ethanol in Indiana further signifies their expansion plans, with a $230 million upgrade set to enhance RNG production and add ethanol production capabilities.
Verbio faces increased competition in the U.S. RNG market as more companies are enticed by state and federal incentives promoting renewable natural gas and biomethane production. Verbio's RNG processing commenced in late 2021, utilizing corn stover collected from central Iowa. The company has established contracts with farmers to collect stover from at least 26,000 acres, leaving a substantial portion of stalk residue in the fields to mitigate erosion and retain carbon.
Through its innovative approach and successful revitalization of the failed ethanol plant, Verbio has solidified its position as a leading RNG producer in North America.
Source : wisconsinagconnection.com