Bio-ethanol "demonstration" plant to open in Thomaston

An Atlanta bio-engineering firm will join with one of the nation’s leading energy companies to produce ethanol in Thomaston, about an hour south of Atlanta.

American Process Inc. (API), and a subsidiary of Valero Energy Corp. of San Antonio, Texas, will set up a bio-refinery demonstration plant in Upson County that could create 30 jobs in Thomaston and Atlanta. The factory, scheduled to open within a few months, will show that wood products can feasibly and economically be transformed into fuel, according to API.

“The demonstration plant in Thomaston is an important milestone in the commercialization of cellulosic fuels technologies,” said Theodora Retsina, president of API.

With plenty of trees and generous tax breaks, Georgia is trying to distinguish itself as a Southeastern leader in alternative energy production.

“The opening of this new facility in Thomaston represents Georgia’s continued growth in the alternative energy sector,” said Ken Stewart, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

source: ajc