Broomfield energy company awarded $76 million

Rocky Mountain News

Published February 28, 2007 at midnight

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WASHINGTON — A Broomfield company has been awarded $76 million in federal funds to build a cellulosic ethanol plant in Georgia.

The U.S. Department of Energy today announced that it would invest $385 million in six projects around the country that are helping develop alternative energy sources.

One of the big winners is Broomfield-based Range Fuels Inc., which will get $76 million to build a plant in Treutlen County, Ga., to convert wood chips into an estimated 40 million gallons of ethanol and 9 million gallons of methanol per year.

"I am excited that this Colorado company is leading the way on renewable technologies," said Rep. Mark Udall, D-Eldorado Springs, whose district includes Broomfield. "Our nation must continue to explore all viable cellulosic technologies as we work our way toward a renewable energy economy."

Range Fuels, formerly known as Kergy Inc., is completing the project in partnership with Merrick and Company, PRAJ Industries Ltd., Western Research Institute, Georgia Forestry Commission, Yeomans Wood and Timber, Truetlen County Development Authority, BioConversion Technology, Khosla Ventures, CH2M Hill, and Gillis Ag and Timber.

In a release, Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said developing cellulosic ethanol sources could be critical in making the United States more energy independent.

"Ultimately, success in producing inexpensive cellulosic ethanol could be a key to eliminating our nation's addiction to oil," Bodman said. "By relying on American enginuity and on American farmers for fuel, we will enhance our nation's energy and economic security."

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