Ethanol maker creates biomass division

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Sioux Falls-based ethanol maker Poet announced Wednesday the creation of a new division devoted to managing corn cobs, waste wood and other feedstocks for cellulosic ethanol.

Poet Biomass is being led by Scott Weishaar, the company's vice president of commercial development.

He says Poet's cellulosic ethanol goals depend on a steady supply of corn cobs. Weishaar says Poet Biomass was created to make sure farmers have everything they need in order to help fuel the nation with both grain-based and cellulosic ethanol.

Poet's pilot plant in Scotland, S.D., already is making about 20,000 gallons of cellulosic ethanol per year. The company said in a release that plans are on schedule for 25 million gallons per year of commercial production in Emmetsburg, Iowa, in 2011.