USDA guarantees $232.5 million loan to ZeaChem Inc

The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) has guaranteed a US$232.5 (€177.291) million loan under the  9003 Biorefinery Assistance Program to ZeaChem Inc. “The USDA loan guarantee is a significant validation for ZeaChem’s highly efficient, economical and flexible biorefinery technology,” said Jim Imbler, president and chief executive officer of ZeaChem. “This commitment allows us to move forward with securing financing, beginning construction, creating jobs in the community, and producing economical and sustainable products for the fuel and chemical industries.” Read more ...

USDA to fund series of biomass projects

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Rural Energy for America program (REAP) is to fund a number of biomass projects to convert biomass to energy. Among those to receive funding is NC-CHP Owner 1, LLC, a business management consultancy company, which received project financing of US$5 million (€3.694 million) for constructing CHP project serving a poultry producer in Montgomery County, Maryland. Wood chips will be used as a feed stock for generating electricity. Read more ...