Contact: Joshua Morby
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Email: media@thenewnorth.com
Group to study feasibility of cellulosic ethanol at former paper mill in Niagara
NIAGARA, March 10, 2009 – The New North, Inc. has commissioned a study to determine the feasibility of producing cellulosic ethanol at the former NewPage paper mill in Niagara.
“Advanced biofuels is one of the targeted industry clusters of the New North, and the former NewPage mill offers a great opportunity to pursue development in this sector,” said Jerry Murphy, Executive Director of the New North, Inc. “This study will help us make the case to potential biofuel producers that the New North is an ideal location for a cellulosic ethanol facility.”
Jan Hacker, a forestry consultant with St. Paul-based Resource Analytics, will conduct the study.
The first stage of the study will focus on taking a regional inventory of available woody biomass currently being underutilized by the timber industry.
The second stage of the study will analyze the market competition for pulpwood, and determine the feasibility of using it as a feedstock for cellulosic ethanol.
“The New North is home to some of the best schools, most innovative companies, and most ample natural resources in the country,” Murphy said. “Advanced biofuel production is a perfect fit for our region, and this study is a great stepping stone towards expanding the industry in Northeast Wisconsin.”
New North, Inc. is a regional collaboration effort focused on promoting regional cooperation and economic development in an 18-county region in Northeast Wisconsin. The 18 counties included in the New North are Outagamie, Winnebago, Calumet, Waupaca, Brown, Shawano, Oconto, Marinette, Door, Kewaunee, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Marquette, Florence, Menominee, and Waushara. To find out more information about New North, Inc., please visit our website at http://www.thenewnorth.com.
