Buhl Ethanol Project: Co-producing Ethanol and Barley Protein Using Local Resources

The phase II project combines fuel ethanol production with manufacturing of a protein concentrate to create a new industry in a rural south Idaho community. In phase 1 research, MMP demonstrated technical feasibility of a process to produce ethanol and protein concentrate as co products from barley. The use of barley addresses irrigation constraints in south Idaho by creating increased value for a less water consumptive crop. Phase 1 also demonstrated integration of wastewater from a local food process plant into the process, overcoming constraints to process water supply. In Phase 1 MMP worked with its USDA/ARS CRDA partner (Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station) to demonstrate potential markets for the barley protein concentrate (BPC) as a feed ingredient in the south Idaho farmed trout industry. The BPC, with 50 to 60% protein content has a high value relative to distillers grains and makes ethanol production profitable despite historically high grain prices and current low price for ethanol. Phase II research will generate the data necessary to determine capital and operating cost for a ethanol/BPC manufacturing facility; and establish BPC inclusion rates and value in trout feeds. MMP will optimize process variables including use of wastewater, construct and operate a pilot plant and work with our CRDA partner to conduct research trials and commercial demonstrations of BPC in farmed trout feed. In phase II MMP will advance commercialization with the technical and financial documentation necessary to finance design, construction and start-up of a commercial facility.