AMEC to help Range Fuels deliver its first commercial-scale cellulosic biofuels plant

Friday, May 22, 2009

AMEC, the international engineering and project management company, announces that it has been selected by Range Fuels, Inc. to help deliver its first commercial-scale cellulosic biofuels plant, located near Soperton, Georgia.

AMEC is providing engineering and construction management servicesfor the plant, which will utilize non-edible biomass such as wood and wood waste generated by nearby forest industry operations. Construction of the plant is currently underway, with biofuels production scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2010.

Range Fuels uses a patented two-step thermo-chemical process of converting non-edible biomass to low carbon biofuels. The first phase of the plant will produce approximately 10 million gallons of ethanol and mixed alcohols per year. Ultimately, the plant is intended to have an annual output of 100 million gallons of ethanol and methanol.

 “This important contract reinforces AMEC’s position on the leading edge of developments in cellulosic biofuels,” said Tim Gelbar, President of AMEC’s Power and Process Americas business. “With the growth in demand for low carbon fuels, our biofuels experience and expertise continues to expand, helping our customers, like Range Fuels, address worldwide energy challenges to meet their objectives.”

Michal Gilzenrat, Vice President, Process Industries of AMEC’s Power and Process Americas business added: "We are now working with the most advanced clients in the business with the most promising technologies. Our portfolio of current major biofuels projects and more specifically cellulosic ethanol includes both biological and thermo-chemical process technology conversions.”

David C. Aldous, CEO for Range Fuels, said, “Our first commercial plant will help us to provide the U.S. with a new domestic source of low carbon, environmentally friendly fuels and clean renewable power. We are delighted that the skills and expertise of AMEC will play a key role in the construction of the Soperton Plant.”

AMEC’s biofuels work is the latest progression in a century of experience in energy production technology – covering oil and gas, hydroelectric, wind, solar, biomass gasification, biodiesel and ethanol. The company is working on several ethanol and biodiesel projects, as well as the development of further relationships with technology providers and other market partners.

Media contacts:

Lauren Gallagher, Media Relations Manager, +1.602.757.3211; lauren.gallagher@amec.com

Frank Stokes, Media Relations Manager,       +44 (0)1452 872121; frank.stokes@amec.com

 

Source: AMEC