SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 29, 2013) – POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels, a joint venture between U.S.-based POET and Dutch-based DSM, was named the “Bio-based Deal of the Year” Tuesday by GreenPower Conferences.

The award recognizes “a deal that is of particular relevance for the long-term development of the bio-based industries.” It was announced during the World Bio Markets USA conference in San Francisco.

“We’re honored to be recognized by our peers for our efforts in cellulosic bio-ethanol development,” said Steve Hartig, POET-DSM’s General Manager – Licensing. “The joint venture is an extension of the firm commitment by both POET and DSM to moving our world toward a renewable and sustainable future. Cellulosic bio-ethanol is ready to dramatically expand our world’s sources for fuel, and we’re excited to be a part of it.”

POET-DSM’s Project LIBERTY will use corn cobs, leaves, husk and some stalk to produce 20 million gallons of fuel annually, ramping up to 25 million gallons. The plant is under construction today in Emmetsburg, Iowa and set to open in early 2014.

For more information and photos of construction progress, visit poetdsm.com.

From left to right: Hannah Yates (Biofuels and Bio-based Chemicals Research Analyst at Green Power Conferences), Christian Koolloos (Business Manager Bio-Ethanol at DSM), Wade Robey (Chief Technology Officer at POET), Bryan Walsh (Senior Editor at TIME), and Steve Hartig (General Manager - Licensing at POET-DSM).

About POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels, LLC

POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels, LLC, is a 50/50 joint venture between Royal DSM and POET, LLC. Based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the company is a cooperative effort of two innovators that provides a key to unlocking the opportunity of converting corn crop residue into cellulosic bio-ethanol. Built on the strengths of both companies, the joint venture has a critical mission: to make cellulosic bio-ethanol competitive with corn bio-ethanol, the most competitive renewable liquid transportation fuel on the US market today. Drawing on the deep expertise and experience of POET and DSM in different areas of converting cellulosic biomass into bio-ethanol, POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels will have its first commercial-scale plant co-located with POET Biorefining – Emmetsburg in Emmetsburg, Iowa. Based on this plant, the JV plans to globally license an integrated technology package for the conversion of corn crop residue to cellulosic bio-ethanol. More information: www.poetdsm.com