Verbio has commenced the commercial production of corn-based ethanol at its biorefinery facility in Nevada, Iowa. The plant, a subsidiary of Europe’s leading biofuels and bioenergy producer Verbio SE, underwent a thorough commissioning process over the past six months resulting in the successful start of bioethanol production.
The completion of this second phase of the Nevada plant`s strategy in the US market is the next milestone for the company. Operating as a full biorefinery, Verbio has installed a total capacity to produce 60 million gallons of corn-based ethanol per year and 2.3 million MMbtu of renewable natural gas (RNG).
“The start of ethanol production, in addition to our industrial-scale RNG operations since December 2021, means a landmark moment for us at Verbio,” states Verbio CEO Claus Sauter. “Bioenergy as a growing global market plays a fundamental role in the transition towards sustainable mobility by providing RNG for transportation fuels, as well as for industrial and commercial uses.”
Verbio launches ethanol production at its biorefinery plant in Nevada, Iowa (Source: Verbio)
The production site in Nevada added 8 additional fermentation tanks, new equipment, a corn unloading facility and silo storage, as well as close to 50 full-time jobs. To secure feedstock for RNG and ethanol production, Verbio collaborates with local growers in the region. “By buying not only their ag residues, but as of now, also their corn, we are able to provide growers with additional revenue streams for their businesses. Our goal is to bring added value to the region. The sustainable production cycle we use at Verbio allows us to sell back high-quality co-products from our production, such as humus, two different soil amendments and corn oil,” explains Greg Faith, Verbio Nevada plant President and General Manager.
Verbio Nevada is the first industrial-scale plant in North America coupling RNG and bioethanol production. The Nevada, Iowa plant has been converting corn stover to RNG since 2021. By using an innovative biorefinery concept, Verbio is now able to expand its operations to the next level. This additional process combines both bioethanol and associated biomethane production from corn stillage, a by-product from the ethanol production. The interaction of RNG and ethanol production, unique to the Verbio brand, incorporates advanced technology developed and successfully used for more than a decade at the company`s facilities in Germany. Globally, Verbio now operates three biorefinery plants based on the bioethanol-RNG concept and four stover based RNG plants.
The Nevada plant is built on 55 acres of land and employs a workforce numbering approximately 100. Verbio`s agriculture team was able to finish the 2023 harvest season with excellent results, securing over 45,000 acres of corn stover for the plant`s production goals in 2024.
“Our biorefinery approach not only continues to support opportunities for local growers, but as importantly, drives the transition towards sustainable green energy by offering advanced renewable products,” says Claus Sauter.
The successful launch of ethanol production in Nevada accelerates the company’s growth strategy. It further builds economic development in the region, and leverages the use of agricultural residues as the foundation of Verbio`s business. Committed to decarbonizing industry, Verbio looks forward to further expanding its business within North America as well as internationally in the coming years. To support its bioenergy operations in Iowa the company is looking to hire new talent offering promising career opportunities for people who would like to contribute to protect the environment while working with state-of-the-art green technologies.