First cellulosic ethanol plant begins production.

First cellulosic ethanol plant begins production--The first small scale waste wood commercial facility began operation near Upton, Wyo., in late January. The plant converts waste wood into a renewable fuel. The plant, a result of six years of development between KL Process Design Group (KL) and the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, uses proprietary technologies and newly developed enzymes. KL projects that its cellulosic technology will allow the plants to build facilities that match the amount of feed stock available near large cities, lessening the fuel's carbon foot print. KL says the plants will provide excess electricity and/or steam heat that can provide additional power sources for local municipalities.