Biorefinery projects in China

YSC Holdings (YSC) is working on a three joint venture project in the Peoples Republic of China to convert cellulosic feedstock such as corn stover to fuels, chemicals and electricity. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is providing technology and technical assistance for these project to YSC under a contractual agreement. TVA has developed a biorefinery process which uses dilute sulfuric acid hydrolysis technology to convert cellulosic feedstocks to sugars which can then be used to produce chemicals. Lignin, the solid residue of the process can be used as a combustion fuel for production of steam and electricity. The process will accept a variety of feedstocks which include agricultural residues, such as corn stover, sugar cane baggas, wheat straw, wood waste, short rotation woody crops, grass crops, and the cellulosic portion of municipal solid waste (MSW). The primary products of the biorefinery process are ethanol, furfural, and clean burning lignin as a solid boiler fuel. Electricity can also be produced if the price paid for electricity provides a better return on an investment than direct sale of lignin as a boiler fuel. By-products are carbon dioxide, gypsum, and biogas (60% methane). The three plants will each process 1,800 metric ton/day ofmore » corn stover. The first plant, in Weifang, China has central government approval. The second and third plants, in Benxi and Jinzhou, China are awaiting local approval. The projected economics for these commercial facilities will be presented.« less