Key facts
- NCERC will expand its research and training capacity.
- The expansion is supported by $17 million in funding.
- The investment will enable the development of sustainable aviation fuel and biodiesel.
- Approximately 25 new full-time positions are expected to be created at NCERC.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) is set to expand its facilities and capabilities following a $17 million investment. The funding, comprising $15 million from the State of Illinois and $2 million from the Illinois Corn Growers Association, was announced on October 9. This expansion aims to advance research in bioproducts, enhance workforce training, and assist companies in bringing new technologies to market. NCERC, designated a Biorefining Center of Excellence, has the largest process development capacity among academic institutions in the U.S., capable of scaling fermentation processes to 22,000 liters. The investment will increase research space and capabilities, supporting the development of sustainable aviation fuel, biodiesel, and cellulosic ethanol. The project is also expected to create approximately 25 new full-time positions at NCERC and support over 100 construction jobs.