Syntec and EERC to Develop Novel Technology to Produce Bio-Butanol From Biomass and Waste

Syntec Biofuel Inc. (Syntec) (OTCBB: SYBF) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a joint development program with the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) at the University of North Dakota (UND) in Grand Forks for converting a wide variety of biomass and waste into bio-butanol.

The core process utilizes Syntec's high-performance catalyst technology in conjunction with an upgrading process exclusively licensed from the EERC Foundation.

Butanol has a high purity and energy level and can be used in a variety of ways, including as a fuel in internal combustion engines. Because its hydrocarbon chain is twice that of ethanol, it is more similar to gasoline than it is to ethanol and thus constitutes a superior fuel. Bio-butanol is also used as a solvent for a wide variety of chemical and textile processes, as a chemical intermediate for organic synthesis, as a base for perfumes and paint thinners, and as a solvent in other coating applications.

"We are delighted to work with the EERC, a leader in the field of biomass gasification and liquefaction able to contribute its expertise to assist Syntec in our quest toward commercialization," said Michael Jackson, CEO of Syntec. "We are not aware of any other company in the world that is developing a thermochemical process utilizing nonfood materials to predominantly produce bio-butanol. In a joint venture with DuPont, BP is building a demonstration plant in the United Kingdom to convert sugar into bio-butanol. This is concerning, as it uses food resources to produce fuel."

"The EERC is very pleased to be partnering with Syntec," said EERC Director Gerald Groenewold. "Combining the EERC's expertise in biomass conversion and butanol production with Syntec's unique catalyst technology will provide an excellent commercial opportunity to provide the world with an economical and sustainable renewable fuel option."

Syntec is a Washington State corporation based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Syntec has developed a thermochemical process that breaks down sustainable, low-cost MSW, wood, and agricultural waste into reactive components that form with Syntec's patent-pending catalysts to produce ethanol, methanol, propanol, and butanol. Syntec currently has one of the highest-yielding catalysts within its sector.

The EERC is recognized as one of the world's leading developers of cleaner, more efficient energy and environmental technologies to protect and clean our air, water, and soil. The EERC is a high-tech, nonprofit branch of UND and pursues an entrepreneurial, market-driven approach to research and development in order to successfully demonstrate innovative technologies and commercialize them through its EERC Foundation and many clients. Since 1987, the EERC has had nearly 1100 clients in 50 states and 51 countries. The EERC's current research portfolio tops $236 million.

source: money.cnn