Future of state's renewable energy resources taking shape
BYLINE: JO DEE BLACK
BUTTE — Cascade County may be a partner in a demonstration plant to show others how to turn straw and low-value barley products into ethanol one day.
That's one example of how Montana's renewable resources, such as grain and wind, can help the United States become more energy self sufficient that was discussed at a breakout session Tuesday afternoon during the Montana Economic Development Summit.
Cliff Bradley of Montana Microbial Products said his company used an enzyme to turn biomass into fuel without cooking it. Removing that step brings the cost of the process down, making such projects feasible on a smaller scale.
"An important part of economic development is creating projects that meet a local economy," Bradley said.
His company used its process to successfully make 200 gallons of ethanol. The goal is to create a plant that manufactures 2 million gallons of fuel. However, there are several incremental steps along the way.
Montana Microbial Products is working with the Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to find ways to fund the $4 million project. The company also plans to ask Cascade County to be a partner.
"We have a ways to go," Bradley said.
Central Montana will see construction begin on a different renewable energy project — more than 200 wind turbines — in about 90 days, said Ben Fernadez of NaTurener.
"We are still in the process of deciding what equipment manufacturer to use," he said.
Stillwater Mining Chairman Frank McAllister says his company is looking for ways for their products — palladium and platinum — to help turn renewable hydrogen into electricity.
Several research projects using the metals are underway at Montana's universities to facilitate that process.
"Palladium and platinum are not renewable, but they are already in your car's catalytic converter, so they are recyclable," he said.
Butte native and former ConAgra executive Ron Ueland advised any farmers in the crowd not to sell their land. Breeders are making headway with several varieties of oil seed that can be processed into biodiesel, he said, and Americans are proving they won't taper the demand for fuel, despite paying $3 a gallon for gasoline.
"That shows we can do research like crazy (to process oilseed into biodiesel) and it will pay for itself," Ueland said. "Don't pinch me. This is a dream come true. This is going to be a great story for Montana."