Syngenta, Pacific Ethanol sign Enogen agreement

Syngenta recently signed a trial agreement with Pacific Ethanol, Inc. to start using Enogen grain at its Madera, California, ethanol production facility after this year's corn harvest.

“We are confident that Enogen corn enzyme technology will add value to Pacific Ethanol’s operations and help them reduce their carbon footprint,” David Witherspoon, head of Enogen for Syngenta, said. “In a 100-million gallon plant, for example, Enogen corn can help save: 350 billion BTUs of natural gas, 10 million KWh of electricity, 68 million gallons of water and 106 million pounds of CO2 emissions.”

Pacific Ethanol's Madera plant produces 40 million gallons of ethanol per year.

Unlike traditional liquid alpha amylase, Enogen corn enzyme technology delivers ethanol straight in the corn kernel. Growers who participate can earn an average premium of 40 cents per bushel for growing Enogen.

“Improving plant operating efficiencies and lowering carbon intensity are key components of our strategy to drive profitable growth,” Pacific Ethanol CEO Neil Koehler said. “Through increasing production yields and optimizing process throughput at our plants, Enogen corn can further support these efforts. We look forward to working with Syngenta on a trial at the Pacific Ethanol Madera facility to confirm the product’s value to our markets.”