Greentech Lead America: LS9, a provider of renewable and
sustainable products, has received investment from the Florida Opportunity
Fund’s (FOF) Clean Energy Investment Program.
Earlier this year, the FOF invested $4.5 million to fund
the retrofit of LS9’s facility in Okeechobee, Fla., to develop biodiesel and
renewable chemical products.
The facility will allow LS9 to progress its unique
technology into commercial production. The retrofit was completed in early May.
“LS9 has been working diligently to complete the
retrofit of our Okeechobee facility, and we greatly appreciate the support of
the Florida Opportunity Fund on this project,” said Ed Dineen, LS9
President and CEO.
“We are honored to have the support of Congressman
Rooney for our Grand Opening event and believe this facility can be a magnet
for attracting other advanced agricultural and bio-product technologies to the
state. Our Florida location is ideal as it allows for prime access to the
feedstocks required to produce our renewable products,” Dineen added.
The facility will be used to increase LS9’s production
capability and generate large commercial samples for testing and product
qualification by key partners and prospective customers. The facility will be
used to test and optimize new process conditions.
The retrofit also focused on reducing energy consumption
through the use of technologies such as variable speed drivers and advanced
computer control systems in the plant.
Successful production runs in 20,000 and 50,000 liter
fermenters have been stepping stones to the start-up of the 135,000 liter
fermentation vessel in Okeechobee, Fla. LS9 is also pursuing options to enable
commissioning of the site to a larger commercial scale.
“The State of Florida recognizes the need for
adoption of renewable energy products and remains committed to supporting
companies, such as LS9, striving to produce these technologies,” said
Jennifer Dunham of Florida First Partners, manager of the Florida Opportunity
Fund’s innovative Clean Energy Investment Program.