QUINCY, Mass., Dec. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Myriant Technologies LLC (as successor to BioEnergy International), a leading biotech developer and manufacturer of renewable biochemicals, has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to receive up to $50 million for its planned biobased Succinic Acid facility in Louisiana. Notably, among the 19 integrated biorefinery projects that won funding or loan guarantees, Myriant was the only award focused exclusively on biobased chemicals rather than biofuels.
The DOE and other third-party studies have previously identified biobased Succinic Acid as a priority among the top 12 chemicals by market size that can be derived from biomass. Succinic Acid is used in a wide variety of applications including plastics, fibers, polyesters and pigments.
"We are grateful for the validation of our technology embodied in the award by the DOE," said Stephen J. Gatto, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Myriant. "We applaud their recognition of the importance of biobased chemicals as a leading component of biorefineries. Our Succinic Acid platform provides a "win-win" solution in terms of cost, environmental benefits and reduction in our dependence on imported oil and puts critical jobs to work right here in the United States."
"The Port of Lake Providence is tremendously excited to be working with Myriant on this very important project," added Wyly Gilfoil, Director of the Lake Providence Port Commission. "We're delighted to see the assets of the Port and the region used in this manner to bring much needed high tech industries and jobs to the community."
With a world-renowned team of molecular biologists, engineers and chemists, Myriant utilizes proprietary technology to advance the development of low-cost cellulosic sugars for the sustainable manufacturing of high-value specialty chemicals. The company's D(-) lactic acid started production at commercial scale in June 2008 for use in polylactic acid. Myriant will next begin commercial production of its second product, biobased Succinic Acid; samples are currently available by contacting productinfo@myriant.com. Myriant is headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts. Further information is available at www.myriant.com.
CONTACT: Samuel G. McConnell, Sr. Vice President, Corporate Development of
Myriant Technologies LLC, +1-617-657-5207
Web site: http://www.myriant.com/
