The Ohio State University

The Daily Advertiser - Lafayette, LA

http://www.theadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071123/NEWS01/71123014/1002

The industrial revolution of the 1800’s and 1900’s was based on steel, fossil fuels, bricks, and mortar. Now these are staples in America’s industrial toolbox. However, most experts agree that the next industrial revolution that is just beginning is one that will be based on biology-based materials or biomass.

This revolution will usher in a totally new paradigm in terms of how society views both farm products and our organically rich wastes. Agriculture will diversify from producing only foodstocks to producing both crops for food and crops for chemical production, or in other words, both foodstocks and chemical crops. Chemical companies are investing tremendous monetary and intellectual capital in biotechnology that focuses on harnessing the vast chemical potential of plants. The result will surely be new relationships blossoming between the agricultural and chemicals production industries.

Chemicals will also be produced from bacteria, algae, and waste materials. Ultimately, I envision society to completely recycle waste products by finally realizing that yesterday’s waste is literally a treasure chest of chemicals — prime for continued use in chemical production and not simply a burden filling up landfills. The chemical and energetic potential of these materials will be totally recycled and used to the point of complete inertness; thereby, greatly reducing society’s ecological footprint on our planet.

Bioprocessing, the branch of biotechnology that uses biomass as industrial feedstocks, is evolving into one of the predominant aspects of the alternative energy industry, and eventually, the chemical production industry. Whether it be ethanol, biodiesel, biogas, or hydrogen, biomass will very likely serve as the source of these valuable fuels. I also believe that bioprocessing will be capable of utilizing the vast potential of microorganisms to further assist with other processes, such as petroleum recovery, improved waste treatment, and possibly, medical applications.

The growth of the new field of bioprocessing particularly with regard to the emergence of biofuels, mirrors the growth of the much more mature petroleum industry. In the mid-1800’s, when petroleum was first discovered, the value of this strange black substance was not completely envisioned at that time. By the turn of the century, a few chemical products were being produced from refineries. During the 1950’s, refineries were producing twenty or so chemicals — primarily fuels.

Today, the modern refinery produces well over 30 products with specialty chemicals bringing a large percentage of profits. In fact, literally tens of thousands of products used by society today come from petroleum. It took more than 100 years to mature petroleum to the highly prized industrial feedstock it is today. It is interesting to see how petroleum slowly replaced coal as the energy source of the time.

With regard to biomass, we are currently at the developmental point in time that petroleum was at during the early 1900’s. The term "biorefinery" has emerged more as a vision but some facilities are beginning to truly represent a facility best characterized by this term. Today’s biorefinery only produces less than five or so chemicals — mostly bulk chemicals and few specialty chemicals.

Yet, I believe that tomorrow’s biorefinery will be producing tens of products ranging from bulk fuels to valuable specialty chemicals to pharmaceuticals. Unlike many pro-biotechnology experts, I do not see a conflict between the petroleum industry and biofuels. In fact, these days, the petroleum industry is often the source of innovation within bioprocessing. The eventual transition of society from petroleum to solar, biofuels, and hydrogen will very likely be lead by petroleum industries as they strive to remain key members of the energy market — regardless of source.

And Louisiana? I believe that our great state will continue its leadership role as a source of chemicals and fuel. Louisiana is one of the leading states when considering its capability to produce tremendous tonnage each year of biomass. Given the vast chemical production and supporting transportation infrastructure in place coupled with its highly productive agricultural capability, Louisiana should emerge as a leader in bioprocessing.

To realize this vision, Louisiana must begin to position itself as a regional leader in both feedstock production and as a location for the processing of these materials. Having plants grown in Louisiana only to be processed in other states will be a greatly missed opportunity for our state. We have so many advantages given our growing capacity, potential diversity in the types of crops that can be grown, and our geographic location to vast transportation conduits, chemical production hubs, and other areas of dense agricultural activities.

For example, imagine production facilities within Louisiana producing novel pharmaceuticals and specially chemicals that are partially supported by unique biomass-based raw feedstocks harvested from South America, imported through the New Orleans port, and distributed within the U.S. via the Mississippi River. Obviously, our unique geographical location needs to be a key consideration.

Remember as a kid being told about all of the potential "cures" growing within the Amazon Jungle? Louisiana could be the key component to make this a reality. If we act now to position Louisiana in a lead role as a developer and innovator of bioprocessed materials, I can see America’s energy future having Louisiana fingerprints all over it — just like our fingerprints are on much of the petroleum used in our country.

In closing, we are entering a very exciting period for not only both the agricultural and chemical production industries, but for society as a whole. I truly believe that chemical production will be greener, cleaner, and more valuable as time goes on. I also believe that Louisiana can stand up and become the spindle point for this new generation of chemical production — much like she has for the petroleum industry.