RUMFORD – The River Valley Growth Council’s wood oil and chemical extraction project appears to be picking up steam.

RVGC economic developer Scott Christiansen received word this week that the Maine Technology Institute has made a $10,000 grant toward the project, which takes oil and chemicals from wood products for use in fertilizer, fabrics and plastics. With further processing, it can be made into hydrogen for fuel.

These funds, together with $65,000 received from the state, will be used to develop a proposal that could net the area $3.2 million for construction of the River Valley biorefinery.

Christiansen announced plans last week for a so-called pre-proposal that will be submitted to the federal Department of Energy. If approved, a small pilot plant would be built in the River Valley area.

He said 30 pre-proposal applicants will be chosen within two weeks. Those chosen will be invited to submit a full proposal to the Department of Energy. The final four will be selected for funding by the end of the year.

The $10,000 MTI grant allows further research into additional product lines for the wood oil.

Both state grants are working toward the same thing: to develop a proposal that the Department of Energy will fund, said Christiansen.

He is working with the National Renewable Energy Lab in Colorado and Dr. Esteban Chornet, an expert in alternative fuels from a Quebec university, on the project.

The MTI grants were created by the Legislature to promote and stimulate research into development activities that could lead to the commercialization of new products and services.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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