Wilmington, Delaware
October 28, 2002
DuPont (NYSE: DD) is part of a
science-based consortium that will receive $19 million in
matching
funds from the U.S. Department of Energy for research leading to
an innovative "bio-refinery" -- capable of producing ethanol
fuel and value-added chemicals from renewable resources such as
corn.
The consortium includes DuPont,
Diversa Corporation, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
Michigan State University, and Deere & Company. Selected from
nearly 200 proposals submitted to the Department of Energy, the
Integrated Corn-Based Bioproducts Refinery project is designed
to
demonstrate the feasibility and practicality of alternative
energy and renewable resource technology. The project would
produce sugars from corn and corn biomass, and use them in a
fermentation process to produce ethanol fuel and value-added
chemicals. One of those chemicals is 1,3 propanediol (PDO), the
key building block for DuPont(TM) Sorona(R) -- the company's
newest polymer platform.
While PDO used in Sorona(R)
manufacturing is currently made using a petrochemical process,
the DuPont Bio-Based Materials unit has developed an innovative
method to produce PDO using a corn-based fermentation process.
DuPont plans to transition to the new bio-based process for
Sorona(R) when the process is commercialized. The bio-refinery
project would incorporate a similar bio-based process.
"As we enter our third century,
DuPont has a rich tradition of partnering with governments to
enhance the quality of life through science," said DuPont Chief
Science and Technology Officer Dr. Thomas M. Connelly. "We are
pleased the U.S. Department of Energy supports this initiative
and recognizes that
bio-science offers feasible solutions to satisfy our evolving
energy needs in ways that reduce our environmental footprint.
The scarcity and environmental impact of non-renewable resources
amplifies the need to develop sustainable science-based
solutions."
As part of the science-based
consortium, DuPont is contributing expertise in applied
chemistry, biotechnology, chemical engineering and project
management. Diversa Corporation brings its proprietary genomic
technologies for the rapid discovery, development and
optimization of novel proteins and microorganisms. The National
Renewable Energy Laboratory is world-renowned for its expertise
in biomass conversion. Professor Bruce Dale, a biomass expert
from Michigan State University, will address life cycle
analysis. Deere & Company offers world-class expertise in
agronomic systems analysis and material processing.
"The consortium working on this
project is a good blend of complementary technical expertise and
leadership needed for success," said DuPont Bio-Based Materials
Vice President and General Manager Dr. John P. Ranieri. "We are
pleased to be part of this team and continue our science
partnership with the U.S. government."
During 2002, DuPont is
celebrating its 200th year of scientific achievement and
innovation - providing products and services that improve the
lives of people everywhere. Based in Wilmington, Del., DuPont
delivers science-based solutions for markets that make a
difference in people's lives in food and nutrition; health care;
apparel; home and construction; electronics; and transportation.
DuPont(TM) and Sorona(R) are
a trademark and a registered trademark of E.I. du Pont de
Nemours and Company.
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