Centia(TM) Advanced Biofuels Process Awarded Development Grant from Biofuels Center...

Centia(TM) Advanced Biofuels Process Awarded Development Grant from Biofuels
Center of North Carolina

GILBERT, Ariz., May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Centia(TM), an advanced biofuels
conversion technology being developed by North Carolina State University, has
been awarded a $200k development grant from the Biofuels Center of North
Carolina. The Centia(TM) process can take any renewable oil input source
(e.g., oils derived from agriculture crops, algae, animal fats, waste greases,
etc.) and produce transportation fuels that are 1-for-1 replacements for
petroleum-based jet fuel, diesel, and gasoline. Fuels produced from Centia(TM)
could be operated in engines, stored, and distributed in an identical manner
to fossil fuels today. The process was developed in 2006 by North Carolina
State University (NCSU) and has been licensed exclusively by Diversified
Energy Corporation.
During this 12-month grant, NCSU will build upon previous test results by
demonstrating the end-to-end production of biofuels from a variety of
feedstock sources. Starting with one or more North Carolina feedstocks -- like
crop oils, animal fats, and possibly algal oils -- the university will
demonstrate all the steps in the Centia(TM) process to produce multi-gallon
batches of renewable diesel, JP-8/Jet A-1 compliant biojet fuel, and unleaded
biogasoline. The biofuels produced will then be tested in an instrumented
single cylinder diesel engine, jet turbine engine, and four cylinder gasoline
engine. Dr. William Roberts, professor of mechanical and aeronautical
engineering at NCSU and the lead investigator for the grant commented, "The
university has been working in earnest to transition this technology from the
laboratory to the commercial market. We've had a number of technical
breakthroughs within the last year and this funding provides us with an
excellent start towards commercialization. With oil at $120 barrel we think
technologies like Centia(TM) that can produce fungible replacements for fossil
fuels from a variety of inputs will be in very high demand." Jeff Hassannia,
VP of Business Development at Diversified Energy(R), added, "This award is
important to Diversified Energy because it brings recognition from a credible
organization that this technology has enormous promise. The Centia(TM) process
is truly unique and we look forward to its continued technical development and
transition to the market to address U.S. energy challenges."
Diversified Energy(R) is supporting the university in providing systems
engineering, large-scale plant design, process and economic modeling, and
commercialization planning and strategy. The company is also seeking technical
and economic partners to support the on-going development and transition of
the Centia(TM) technology.
About North Carolina State University:
A nationally recognized leader in science and technology with historic
strengths in agriculture and engineering, North Carolina State University
provides a high-quality education in the humanities and social sciences,
design, education, life sciences, management, natural resources, physical and
mathematical sciences, textiles and veterinary medicine. Whether educating
students for the 21st century, improving lives through life-altering research,
or partnering with communities, business, and government to create jobs, NC
State's commitment to innovation creates a culture of excellence that spreads
to every facet of the university and affects people's lives in relevant,
powerful ways.
NC State's Office of Technology Transfer manages the University's patent
and technology portfolio, currently consisting of 552 U.S. Patents and
approximately 1600 proprietary technologies. Forming partnerships with
innovative companies such as Diversified Energy fulfills NC State's mission of
getting academic discovery to the market for the greater public good.
About Diversified Energy Corporation:
Headquartered in Gilbert, Arizona (a suburb of Phoenix), Diversified
Energy Corporation (http://www.diversified-energy.com) is a privately held
alternative and renewable energy company focused on maturing innovative
technologies, developing commercial energy projects, and providing engineering
services support to project developers. Principal areas of expertise include
biofuels, gasification, and algal biomass production.
Media Contact: Jeff Hassannia
480-507-0297, ext 105
jeff.hassannia@diversified-energy.com
SOURCE Diversified Energy Corporation

Jeff Hassannia of Diversified Energy Corporation, +1-480-507-0297, ext. 105,
jeff.hassannia@diversified-energy.com