Aztalan Bio LLC is the new owner of the former Valero ethanol plant in the town of Aztalan, WI. They are planning to revolutionize corn processing here in Wisconsin and reopen for production in the fall.
Jeff Oestmann, CEO of Aztalan Bio LLC says they have an innovative approach to biorefining that will put them on the leading edge of the transition to low- and zero-carbon renewable fuels. He explains more about the facility and how it serves as the next generation of biorefineries.
“We are thrilled to be reopening for production,” says Oestmann. “Our presence in the area will have a huge significance for the local agricultural economy as we create a new market for corn across the southern portion of the state.”
The facility will be producing around 110 million gallons of ethanol a year. What makes it notable compared to other processing plants is that it has front end dry fractionation. This means that they can separate all the constituents of corn, such as the germ, starch, gluten etc., and move them into different areas and sell those products separately or enhance and modify them into other products.
“Generally we’ll be able to process about 40 million bushels a year,” adds Oestmann. “While other plants also produce ethanol, the unique part about our plant is that we’re going to produce other byproducts such as distillers grain and corn oil. We’re going to quadruple the amount of production others do with so many different types of products that we’re producing.”
The Aztalan Bio LLC facility will employ over 70 employees. They are planning to buy grain locally within a 40-50 mile radius. Those interested in possibly sending their grain or working there can find more information here.
Oestmann says, “One of the nice things about this plant is we’re going to look at decreasing our carbon footprint. We’re going to add technology such as mechanical vapor recompression which can lower your natural gas usage by 60 percent.”
Oestmann has run three biofuel plants in the past and has been in the industry for thirty years. He has a history of innovation as he integrated petroleum technology into an ethanol plant to make two fuels from the same kernel of corn. He’s excited to bring that type of innovation to this facility and help it be successful.
He adds, “Our hope is to start grinding corn in October. We will start buying corn most likely as early as September. The technology here at the plant that we’re building is really a first in the US. This recipe is proven to be successful in Europe and we will be using it here to take us to the next level.”
The Wisconsin BioFuels Association is in support of this facility. Bob Welch, president of the association, explains more about two bills they’re working on and what the reopening of the ethanol facility in Aztalan means for them.
The Wisconsin Corn Growers Association is excited for the opportunities that the Aztalan Bio LLC ethanol facility will provide members. Mark Hoffman, President of the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association says members are having a hard time with the drought. He explains how this facility will help farmers and bring back some of the market that was lost to Illinois.