recent news links, events, and press releases http://www.poet.com Corporate News & Announcements

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Feedstock supply and logistics, among the chief challenges to commercializing the production of biofuels from new feedstocks, will be a key focus of a new division at POET, the company announced today.

POET CEO Jeff Broin announced at the Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo in Denver, Colo., the creation of POET Biomass, a division of POET devoted to managing harvest and transportation logistics for corn cobs – POET’s cellulosic feedstock – as well as waste wood and other feedstocks to be used for cellulosic ethanol and alternative energy projects at their production facilities.

POET Biomass is led by Scott Weishaar, POET’s Vice President of Commercial Development. “POET’s cellulosic ethanol goals depend on a steady supply of a reliable feedstock: corn cobs,” Weishaar said. “POET Biomass is here to make sure farmers have everything they need in order to play their important role in fueling our nation with both grain-based and cellulosic ethanol.”

Among the areas of focus for POET Biomass are:
- Cob collection/supply chain management
- Logistics for waste wood and engineered fuels as alternative power sources
- Additional feedstocks for future cellulosic ethanol production

POET’s pilot-scale plant in Scotland, S.D. is already producing cellulosic ethanol at a rate of approximately 20,000 gallons per year, and plans are on schedule for 25 million gallons per year of commercial production in Emmetsburg, Iowa in 2011, named Project LIBERTY. Photos of the pilot facility are available for publication at http://www.poet.com/news/showRelease.asp?id=147&year=2009&categoryid=0.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in May noted the economic benefit of using corn stover, which includes corn cobs, in making cellulosic ethanol.

“… corn stover was chosen as the most economical agricultural feedstock to be used to produce ethanol in order to meet the 16 [billion gallon] EISA (Energy Independence and Security Act) cellulosic biofuel requirement. We estimate that by 2022 greater than 400 million tons of corn stover could be produced. Approximately 82 million tons would be needed to produce 7.8 billion gallons of cellulosic biofuel that our modeling projects to come from corn stover by 2022.”  (Draft Regulatory Impact Analysis: Changes to Renewable Fuel Standard Program, page 17 http://www.epa.gov/oms/renewablefuels/420d09001.pdf)

<b>About POET</b>
POET, the largest ethanol producer in the world, is a leader in biorefining through its efficient, vertically integrated approach to production. The 20-year-old company produces more than 1.54 billion gallons of ethanol annually from 26 production facilities nationwide. POET recently started up a pilot-scale cellulosic ethanol plant, which uses corn cobs as feedstock, and will commercialize the process in 2011. For more information, visit http://www.poet.com.

# # #http://www.poet.com/news/showRelease.asp?id=170Project LIBERTY/Cellulosic Ethanol

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (June 17, 2009) – A self-sustaining energy cycle for producing cellulosic ethanol is close to reality with the recent startup of an anaerobic digester at POET’s pilot plant in Scotland, S.D.

Corn cobs at Project LIBERTY will not only be used to produce ethanol; the liquid waste will go to an anaerobic digester to power the cellulosic plant and offset natural gas usage at the attached grain ethanol plant as well. &nbsp;That’s renewable energy created at the plant, powering the plant and powering the adjacent facility.

POET installed and fired up its anaerobic digester, which was designed and built by Biothane, on May 20. The digester uses liquid waste created in the process of converting corn cobs to ethanol. That waste is used to produce methane gas, which acts as roughly the equivalent of natural gas.

“This technology will cut fossil fuels out of our cellulosic ethanol production process and further improve the benefits of grain-based ethanol,” POET CEO Jeff Broin said. &nbsp;“Over the long term, POET would like to eliminate the use of fossil fuels at all of our plants through a variety of alternative energy sources.” The alternative energy technologies employed at other POET facilities include a solid waste fuel boiler, landfill gas and cogeneration.

The digester is in the research phase – corn cobs have never been used in this way before. &nbsp;The methane is currently being flared, but once the process is refined, it will be installed as part of Project LIBERTY.

Project LIBERTY is a 25 million gallon-per-year cellulosic ethanol plant, which will be built in Emmetsburg, Iowa. Research and development work is on schedule for the plant to begin production in 2011.

To see a documentary about POET’s pilot cellulosic ethanol plant visit http://www.poet.com/cellulosedocumentary.htm. Media outlets are welcome to link to the documentary in online coverage. Photos are also available for publication at http://www.poet.com/news/releases.asp.

<b>About POET</b>
POET, the largest ethanol producer in the world, is a leader in biorefining through its efficient, vertically integrated approach to production. The 20-year-old company produces more than 1.54 billion gallons of ethanol annually from 26 production facilities nationwide. POET recently started up a pilot-scale cellulosic ethanol plant, which uses corn cobs as feedstock, and will commercialize the process in 2011. For more information, visit http://www.poet.com.

# # #http://www.poet.com/news/showRelease.asp?id=169Conferences & Events

Rapid advancements in producing cellulosic ethanol and the fuel's promise for the future will be highlighted by POET next week at Ethanol Summit 2009 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

POET Director of Corporate Affairs Doug Berven will be one of four panelists in a plenary session titled "Second Generation Ethanol: Realities and Possibilities" from 2-4 p.m. Monday, June 1 at the Sheraton World Trade Center in Sao Paulo. &nbsp;Joining Berven will be Novozymes CEO Steen Riisgaard, CanaVialis-Monsanto President Ricardo Madureira and BP Biofuels General Manager for Technology Ian Dobson.

POET will produce cellulosic ethanol from corn cobs in 2011 through Project LIBERTY, a $200 million plant to be built in Emmetsburg, Iowa. &nbsp;POET's pilot plant in Scotland, S.D. is already using that process to produce ethanol at a rate of 20,000 gallons per year.

Ethanol Summit 2009 is a platform for in-depth discussions on the present and future of biofuels in Brazil and the world, with special focus on ethanol. The event features specialists, researchers, leading business executives and government officials from around the world. &nbsp;Former President Bill Clinton will be a keynote speaker at the event. The summit takes place June 1-3.

To see a documentary about POET's pilot cellulosic ethanol plant visit <a href="http://www.poet.com/cellulosedocumentary.htm">http://www.poet.com/cellulosedocumentary.htm</a>. Media outlets are welcome to link to the documentary in online coverage. Photos are also available for publication at http://www.poet.com/news/releases.asp.

<b>About POET</b>
POET, the largest ethanol producer in the world, is a leader in biorefining through its efficient, vertically integrated approach to production. &nbsp;The 20-year-old company produces more than 1.54 billion gallons of ethanol annually from 26 production facilities nationwide. &nbsp;POET recently started up a pilot-scale cellulosic ethanol plant, which uses corn cobs as feedstock, and will commercialize the process in 2011. &nbsp;For more information, visit www.poet.com.

# # #http://www.poet.com/news/showRelease.asp?id=168Project LIBERTY/Cellulosic Ethanol

Corn cobs are both economical and environmentally friendly as a feedstock for cellulosic ethanol, university and government reports indicate, reaffirming POET’s strategy for commercializing its new technology.

Removing corn cobs from fields for use in cellulosic ethanol production appears to have no substantial impact on soil nutrient content, based on results from the first year of a multi-year study by Iowa State University (ISU).

POET’s process for producing cellulosic ethanol uses corn cobs as the feedstock. POET’s pilot-scale plant in Scotland, S.D. is already producing cellulosic ethanol at a rate of approximately 20,000 gallons per year, and plans are on schedule for 25 million gallons per year of commercial production in Emmetsburg, Iowa in 2011.

The ISU research was funded by POET as part of the company’s ongoing internal study into the sustainability of using corn cobs as a cellulosic feedstock.

Results from the first year of the study, conducted on a test field near the Emmetsburg site, indicate that fertilizer treatment for a field in which cobs have been removed would be almost identical to treatment of a field in which cobs were not removed. ISU researchers will continue their work this year on the test plots, compiling more data to help farmers manage their land well while taking advantage of an additional revenue source from their fields.

“This information reinforces previous research showing that corn cobs are a sustainable, environmentally friendly feedstock for producing cellulosic ethanol, and removing them from the field will not alter soil quality,” said Scott Weishaar, POET Vice President of Commercial Development. “We are committed to thoroughly evaluating our process to ensure the benefits of cellulosic ethanol are fully realized.”

Previous research by the U.S. Department of Agriculture showed that cobs contain only 2-3 percent of the measured nutrients of the above-ground corn plant. The collaboration between POET and ISU takes a closer look at data regarding soil quality and nutrient levels, the impact of cob and stover removal on future plant growth and recommended levels of fertilizer applications, if any, for cob or stover removal. In addition, POET is investigating the impact of cob piles on future plant growth on the pile site.

Additionally, the Draft Regulatory Impact Analysis released this month by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency touts the economic benefit of using corn stover, which includes corn cobs, in making cellulosic ethanol.

“… corn stover was chosen as the most economical agricultural feedstock to be used to produce ethanol in order to meet the 16 [billion gallon] EISA (Energy Independence and Security Act) cellulosic biofuel requirement. We estimate that by 2022 greater than 400 million tons of corn stover could be produced. Approximately 82 million tons would be needed to produce 7.8 billion gallons of cellulosic biofuel that our modeling projects to come from corn stover by 2022.” &nbsp;(Draft Regulatory Impact Analysis: Changes to Renewable Fuel Standard Program, page 17 http://www.epa.gov/oms/renewablefuels/420d09001.pdf)

To see a documentary about POET’s pilot cellulosic ethanol plant visit www.poet.com/cellulosedocumentary.htm. Media outlets are welcome to link to the documentary in online coverage. Photos are also available for publication at http://www.poet.com/news/releases.asp.

<b>About POET</b>
POET, the largest ethanol producer in the world, is a leader in biorefining through its efficient, vertically integrated approach to production. The 20-year-old company produces more than 1.54 billion gallons of ethanol annually from 26 production facilities nationwide. POET recently started up a pilot-scale cellulosic ethanol plant, which uses corn cobs as feedstock, and will commercialize the process in 2011. For more information, visit http://www.poet.com.

# # #http://www.poet.com/news/showRelease.asp?id=167General Press Releases

Today, President Barack Obama issued a Presidential Directive creating a Biofuels Working Group in his cabinet and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued preliminary rules for the Renewable Fuel Standard. Jeff Broin, Chief Executive Officer of POET, had the following statement regarding the announcements:

“I applaud President Obama for his recognition of the important role ethanol production can play in the country’s future environmental and economic goals. The creation of this working group to develop the ethanol industry and infrastructure is exactly what’s needed to keep the country moving toward cleaner, greener fuels. The federal government can play an important role by encouraging the production of flexible fuel vehicles and the installation of blender pumps and other ethanol infrastructure.

I am, however concerned about the preliminary rule issued by the U.S. EPA that included an indirect land use change penalty for corn ethanol. While many scientists have found significant flaws in the models used to calculate indirect land use change, I think the very concept is flawed and stems from a lack of understanding of ethanol and agriculture. Due to increasing efficiencies in our production facilities and the increased corn yields from the fields surrounding them, we don’t need new land to meet the Renewable Fuel Standard. That’s why we’re able to farm the same number of corn acres in this country that we farmed in 1976 and still meet all of the needs for food, feed and fuel. I am encouraged that the EPA Administrator has pledged to subject indirect land use change to peer-review because I don’t think the theory will hold up.

Even with this unfair indirect land use charge applied to ethanol production, the EPA calculations find that ethanol produced from corn is better for the environment than gasoline. They also show that ethanol produced from corn cobs, the process we’re employing in our pilot production facility, reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 110 percent in comparison to gasoline. Our plan to integrate that technology with our existing corn ethanol plants will produce a low carbon fuel that benefits our environment while creating jobs and decreasing our dangerous dependence on foreign oil.”

POET is a leading dry-mill ethanol producer that has integrated many of the production technologies listed in the EPA Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued today. All but two of their 26 ethanol production facilities use raw starch hydrolysis, three employ combined heat and power (CHP), three have fractionation installed in the plant and one is powered by biomass and methane gas from a local landfill.

<b>About POET</b>
POET, the largest ethanol producer in the world, is a leader in biorefining through its efficient, vertically integrated approach to production. &nbsp;The 20-year-old company produces more than 1.54 billion gallons of ethanol annually from 26 production facilities nationwide. &nbsp;POET recently started up a pilot-scale cellulosic ethanol plant, which uses corn cobs as feedstock, and will commercialize the process in 2011. &nbsp;For more information, visit <a href="http://www.poet.com">http://www.poet.com</a>.

# # #http://www.poet.com/news/showRelease.asp?id=166Plant News & Announcements

POET’s safety record in 2008 has earned recognition from BNSF Railway Company.

POET has received the BNSF's Annual Product Stewardship Award for 2008. &nbsp;The award is presented to shippers who transported a minimum of 500 loaded tank cars of hazardous materials during the previous year with zero non-accident releases (releases that are not caused by a derailment or collision) during the entire transportation cycle.

“We are proud that our partnership with BNSF has helped keep transport of ethanol safe and efficient,” POET CEO Jeff Broin said. “These POET plants work hard to ensure that safety remains a top priority.”

POET Biorefining plants in South Dakota recognized in the award are Chancellor, Mitchell, Big Stone City, Groton, Scotland and Hudson. &nbsp;POET plants in Iowa are Coon Rapids and Corning.

Four POET plants earlier this year received an award from Union Pacific for zero non-accident releases.

<b>About POET</b>
POET, the largest ethanol producer in the world, is a leader in biorefining through its efficient, vertically integrated approach to production. &nbsp;The 20-year-old company produces more than 1.54 billion gallons of ethanol annually from 26 production facilities nationwide. &nbsp;POET recently started up a pilot-scale cellulosic ethanol plant, which uses corn cobs as feedstock, and will commercialize the process in 2011. &nbsp;For more information, visit www.poet.com.

# # #http://www.poet.com/news/showRelease.asp?id=165General Press Releases

Rapid and ongoing advancements in ethanol’s efficiency would be severely hindered under currently proposed rules for California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), POET CEO Jeff Broin stated Wednesday in comments submitted to the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

CARB is set to vote today on regulations aimed at lowering the state’s carbon emissions. &nbsp;However, the inclusion of an unproven theory known as Indirect Land Use Change calls the fairness of the proposed regulations into question.

“The ethanol industry has made tremendous strides in not only helping our environment, but reducing our reliance on foreign oil and helping our nation’s economy,” Broin said. “CARB should refrain from derailing those benefits with a well-intentioned but significantly flawed policy.”

The ethanol industry supports an accounting of carbon emissions that includes all direct effects from all fuels, including direct land use change. It does not support the selective inclusion of indirect effects as CARB is proposing. Their proposal unfairly penalizes ethanol for indirect effects without considering the indirect effects of any other fuel.

“POET is not requesting special preference for our products,” Broin said. “We are simply requesting the level playing field promised as part of the LCFS and that CARB hold ethanol to the same carbon accounting standard as petroleum, hydrogen, electricity, and all other fuels.”

A recent study by the University of Nebraska – Lincoln shows that ethanol plants built in the last five years offer &nbsp;twofold to threefold greater greenhouse gas reductions than the industry at large thanks to improvements in processes and technology. &nbsp;While all ethanol is an improvement over gasoline, the study shows those newer plants, which are now approximately 60 percent of the nation’s capacity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 59 percent.

Jeff Broin’s full comments are attached.

<b>About POET</b>
POET, the largest ethanol producer in the world, is a leader in biorefining through its efficient, vertically integrated approach to production. &nbsp;The 20-year-old company produces more than 1.54 billion gallons of ethanol annually from 26 production facilities nationwide. &nbsp;POET recently started up a pilot-scale cellulosic ethanol plant, which uses corn cobs as feedstock, and will commercialize the process in 2011. &nbsp;For more information, visit www.poet.com.

# # #http://www.poet.com/news/showRelease.asp?id=164General Press Releases

POET CEO Jeff Broin made the following statement today regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to open the comment period for the Green Jobs Waiver, which would allow drivers the choice to use blends of up to 15 percent ethanol in their vehicles.

“Lifting the arbitrary cap and allowing ethanol blends of up to 15 percent is our nation’s means to achieve commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol, green jobs and a better environment,” POET CEO Jeff Broin said. &nbsp;“It is important that Americans use this comment period to let the Environmental Protection Agency know how important homegrown ethanol is to our nation.”

<b>About POET</b>
POET, the largest ethanol producer in the world, is a leader in biorefining through its efficient, vertically integrated approach to production. &nbsp;The 20-year-old company produces more than 1.54 billion gallons of ethanol annually from 26 production facilities nationwide. &nbsp;POET recently started up a pilot-scale cellulosic ethanol plant, which uses corn cobs as feedstock, and will commercialize the process in 2011. &nbsp;For more information, visit www.poet.com.

# # #http://www.poet.com/news/showRelease.asp?id=163Plant News & Announcements

POET Biorefining – Preston (Minn.) has earned top honors from the Minnesota Safety Council for having a low injury incidence and good track record in safety.

The plant has earned “Meritorious Achievement” for above average performance in incident rates compared to the industry average. &nbsp;Among its accomplishments, the plant has gone 1,124 days without a lost time accident.

“Safety is a top priority here,” said Richard Eichstadt, general manager at POET Biorefining – Preston. “Our employees do a great job of paying attention to details and keeping the workplace safe for everyone.”

“An effective safety program reduces injuries and costs, maximizes productivity and builds morale,” said Carol Bufton, president of the Minnesota Safety Council. “Employers like POET Biorefining – Preston understand that safety is good business, now more than ever.”

Since 1934, the annual Governor’s Safety Awards have spotlighted Minnesota employers with above average safety records. &nbsp;Participants submit injury information, which is compared with state and national data, as well as the entrant’s past performance. Ongoing safety programs and activities are also considered.

<b>About POET</b>
POET, the largest ethanol producer in the world, is a leader in biorefining through its efficient, vertically integrated approach to production. &nbsp;The 20-year-old company produces more than 1.54 billion gallons of ethanol annually from 26 production facilities nationwide. &nbsp;POET recently started up a pilot-scale cellulosic ethanol plant, which uses corn cobs as feedstock, and will commercialize the process in 2011. &nbsp;For more information, visit www.poet.com.

# # #http://www.poet.com/news/showRelease.asp?id=162Conferences & Events

Ethanol’s growing role in the nation’s fuel infrastructure will be discussed next week by a POET representative in panel discussions at the Alternative Fuels and Vehicles National Conference in Orlando, Fla.

POET Director of Corporate Affairs Doug Berven will represent POET in three panels at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort.

The first, “Around The Blend: The Biofuels Transportation Promise,” will explore why the biofuels market has taken off and why it will continue to grow. &nbsp;It will touch on topics including regulations and incentives as well as advances in agriculture, technology and vehicles. That panel will take place 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 19.

The second panel, “Eco-Smackdown: &nbsp;Industry Addresses Untruths About Alternative Fuels,” will tackle common myths about biofuels and other forms of alternative energy. &nbsp;It will be held 3:30-5 p.m. Monday, April 20.

The third panel, “All Pumped Up: Growing the Ethanol Market,” will address advances in next generation feedstocks, fueling infrastructure, vehicle availability, ongoing government support and the economic advantages of ethanol. &nbsp;That panel will take place 10:30 a.m.-noon Tuesday, April 21.

Keynote speakers at the conference this year include T. Boone Pickens, General Wesley Clark and J.D. Power’s automotive forecasting expert Jeff Schuster.

<b>About POET</b>
POET, the largest ethanol producer in the world, is a leader in biorefining through its efficient, vertically integrated approach to production. &nbsp;The 20-year-old company produces more than 1.54 billion gallons of ethanol annually from 26 production facilities nationwide. &nbsp;POET recently started up a pilot-scale cellulosic ethanol plant, which uses corn cobs as feedstock, and will commercialize the process in 2011. &nbsp;For more information, visit www.poet.com.

# # #http://www.poet.com/news/showRelease.asp?id=161from Fortunehttp://money.cnn.com/2009/06/23/news/economy/wesley_clark_fights_for_ethanol.fortune/?postversion=2009070209from Wall Street Journalhttp://online.wsj.com/article/SB124637913749274129.html?mod=vocusfrom Domestic Fuelhttp://domesticfuel.com/2009/06/30/blender-pump-promotion-in-manning-ia/from Sioux Falls Business Journalhttp://www.argusleader.com/article/20090624/bjnews01/90623035/from Sioux Falls Business Journalhttp://www.argusleader.com/article/20090624/bjnews01/90623037/from Argus Leaderhttp://www.argusleader.com/article/20090618/NEWS/906180322/1001From R-Squared Energy Bloghttp://i-r-squared.blogspot.com/2009/06/poet-sets-standard.htmlFrom Domestic Fuelhttp://domesticfuel.com/2009/06/17/poet-announces-poet-biomass/from KELO-TVhttp://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail6162.cfm?Id=0,85993from Fort Wayne Journal Gazettehttp://www.journalgazette.net/article/20090604/BIZ/306059984/1031/BIZ6/17/2009

WHO: Jeff Broin, POET Chief Executive Officer
Mark Stowers, POET Vice President of Science and Technology

WHAT: CEO Jeff Broin will update media about POET’s efforts to commercialize cellulosic ethanol, including recent progress at POET’s pilot cellulosic ethanol plant in Scotland, S.D.

WHEN: Wednesday, June 17, 10 a.m. Mountain Time (noon EST)

WHERE: Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Expo
Media Room (#105)
Colorado Convention Center
Denver, Colo.

CALL IN: Media not attending the workshop and expo can dial in to the press conference. &nbsp;Contact Matt Merritt at (605) 965-2225.


<b>About POET</b>
POET, the largest ethanol producer in the world, is a leader in biorefining through its efficient, vertically integrated approach to production. The 20-year-old company produces more than 1.54 billion gallons of ethanol annually from 26 production facilities nationwide. POET recently started up a pilot-scale cellulosic ethanol plant, which uses corn cobs as feedstock, and will commercialize the process in 2011. For more information, visit http://www.poet.com.

# # #http://www.poet.com/news/showEvent.asp?id=2912/7/2008

In October, POET Biorefining - Glenville East and The Ethanol Promotion and Information Council provided a deserving family in Hayward, Minn., a brand new Ford F150 Flex-Fuel Vehicle and a year’s worth of E85 fuel during taping of the ABC show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”

The show, titled "DeVries Family," will air from 7 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7. A special on "Extreme Makeover" host Ty Pennington will air from 6 to 7 p.m. that same night. http://www.poet.com/news/showEvent.asp?id=2812/3/2008 - 12/4/2008

POET CEO to speak at Washington, D.C. forums
Jeff Broin will address opportunities for ethanol within a new Congress and Presidential administration

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (November 26, 2008) – In two upcoming forums in Washington D.C., POET CEO Jeff Broin will discuss the potential for ethanol production amid changes in Congress and the new administration of President-elect Barack Obama.

Broin will join speakers including eight former U.S. Secretaries of Agriculture at the Food and Agriculture Policy Summit, sponsored by the Farm Journal and Farm Foundation, on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at the Westin Washington, D.C. City Center Hotel.

On Thursday, Dec. 4, Broin will participate in a session assessing the state of renewable fuel policy and determining a best-case policy scenario in a conference hosted by the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) titled “Phase II of Renewable Energy in America: Recommendations to the next President and Congress.” Broin joins former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle and former Director of Central Intelligence Jim Woolsey in that session.

There are a number of important ethanol policy issues facing the next Congress and Presidential administration. Among those is approval of higher blends of ethanol for use in standard vehicles. Current law caps the amount of ethanol for use in standard vehicles at 10 percent. If this does not change, the ethanol industry will not be able to meet production goals mandated in the Renewable Fuels Standard.


<b>About POET</b>
POET, the largest ethanol producer in the world according to the Renewable Fuels Association, is an established leader in the biorefining industry through project development, design and construction, research and development, plant management, and marketing. The 20-year-old company currently operates 26 production facilities in the United States with five more in construction or under expansion. The company produces and markets more than 1.54 billion gallons of ethanol annually. For more information, go to http://www.poet.com.

# # #http://www.poet.com/news/showEvent.asp?id=2711/17/2008 - 11/19/2008

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (November 14, 2008) – Two POET executives will share their expertise about developing cellulosic ethanol in the upcoming Cellulosic Ethanol Summit 2008 in Coral Gables, Florida Nov. 17-19.

Dr. Mark Stowers, POET’s Vice President of Research & Development, will participate Tuesday, Nov. 18 in a panel discussion of progress toward developing cellulosic ethanol and knowledge that has been gathered along the way.

Denny DeVoss, POET’s Corporate Finance Director, will be a panelist Wednesday, Nov. 19 in a discussion titled “Commercialization & Financing Industry Growth,” a look at partnerships, investment and other commercialization strategies in developing the cellulosic ethanol industry.

POET is a leader in the development of cellulosic ethanol with its strategy of using corn cobs as feedstock for the process. Project BELL, a pilot-scale cellulosic ethanol plant located in Scotland, S.D., will begin production by the end of this year.

The process will be used on a commercial scale through Project LIBERTY, the transformation of a 50 million-gallon-per-year (MGPY) grain-to-ethanol plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa into an integrated corn-to-ethanol and cellulose-to-ethanol biorefinery. Project LIBERTY is jointly funded by POET, the United States Department of Energy and the state of Iowa. Once complete, the facility will produce 125 MGPY, of which 25 million gallons will be from the cellulose in corn fiber and corn cobs. Production is scheduled to begin in 2011. By adding cellulosic production to an existing grain ethanol plant, POET will be able to produce 11 percent more ethanol from a bushel of corn and 27 percent more from an acre of corn while significantly decreasing fossil fuel consumption. For more information, go to http://www.projectliberty.com.

<b>About POET</b>
POET, the largest ethanol producer in the world according to the Renewable Fuels Association, is an established leader in the biorefining industry through project development, design and construction, research and development, plant management, and marketing. The 20-year old company currently operates 26 production facilities in the United States. The company produces and markets more than 1.5 billion gallons of ethanol annually. For more information, go to http://www.poet.com.http://www.poet.com/news/showEvent.asp?id=2611/11/2008



For immediate release Press Contact: &nbsp;Jin Chon
November 11, 2008 jin.chon@advo-comm.com
202-530-4770

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

POET, Other Leading Ethanol Producers to Launch Growth Energy,
a New Organization Dedicated to Reliable and Affordable Biofuels

Washington, D.C. – POET and other leading ethanol producers from around the country will announce the launch of a new organization, Growth Energy, at a press conference today. &nbsp;The organization will be dedicated to promoting clean, green ethanol as America’s best renewable fuel that is high-tech and homegrown, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the nation’s dependence on foreign oil. In addition, the organization will release a new policy brief and announce a new advertising campaign focused on dispelling one of the major myths about ethanol production.

WHO: Jeff Broin, CEO, POET, Inc.
Wayne Hoovestol, CEO, Green Plains Renewable Energy
Bruce Rastetter, CEO, Hawkeye Energy
Dave Vander Griend, CEO, ICM

WHAT: Press conference and conference call to unveil Growth Energy, its new policy brief, and advertising campaign.

WHERE: National Press Club - Lisagor Room
529 14th St. NW, 13th Floor
Washington, DC 20045

WHEN: Tuesday, November 11, 2008
10:00-10:30 a.m. ET followed by Media Q & A

MEDIA NOTE: Media unable to attend the press conference will be able to dial into a conference call to listen to the event and ask questions via telephone. &nbsp;To obtain the conference call number, please e-mail Jin Chon at jin.chon@advo-comm.com or call 202-530-4770. Mult-box will be available for broadcast media.

# # #
About Growth Energy
Growth Energy is a group committed to the promise of agriculture and growing America’s economy through cleaner, greener energy. &nbsp;Growth Energy members recognize America needs a new ethanol approach. Through smart policy reform and a proactive grassroots campaign, Growth Energy promotes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding the use of ethanol in gasoline, decreasing our dependence on foreign oil, and creating American jobs at home.http://www.poet.com/news/showEvent.asp?id=2511/11/2008 - 11/12/2008

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (November 7, 2008) – POET CEO Jeff Broin will join other top energy leaders next week at the Forbes Energy Conference in New York City, where they will discuss how new technology and increased demand will shape the energy environment of the future.

Broin will participate in a panel discussion titled “Worlds in Collision: Green, Political & Business Imperatives,” on Wednesday, Nov. 12, in which he will discuss how businesses leaders and policy makers can reach reasonable compromise in the new fiscal environment. Other panelists include Spencer Abraham, Chairman and CEO of The Abraham Group and former U.S. Secretary of Energy and Peter Davoren, President and CEO of Turner Construction Company.

The latest issue of Forbes Magazine features a profile of Broin, “Mr. Ethanol Fights Back,” which details his work to challenge the industry’s critics and move forward with new endeavors – including commercialization of cellulosic ethanol and development of even more efficient ways to produce corn-based ethanol – in the midst of a challenging environment for the industry. That article can be viewed online at http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2008/1124/052.html.


<b>About POET</b>
POET, the largest ethanol producer in the world according to the Renewable Fuels Association, is an established leader in the biorefining industry through project development, design and construction, research and development, plant management, and marketing. The 20-year-old company currently operates 26 production facilities in the United States with five more in construction or under expansion. The company produces and markets more than 1.54 billion gallons of ethanol annually. For more information, go to http://www.poet.com.

# # #http://www.poet.com/news/showEvent.asp?id=2411/6/2008

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (October 21, 2008) – Farmers next month will see first-hand how equipment manufacturers are responding to the latest advancement in ethanol production and the new revenue opportunity for farmers: harvesting corn cobs for cellulosic ethanol production.

POET hosts Project LIBERTY Field Day Nov. 6 in Emmetsburg, Iowa. The event, which is open to the public, will bring equipment manufacturers large and small together with farmers at POET Biorefining – Emmetsburg to show prototype equipment for efficiently harvesting corn cobs. Farmers will have the chance to talk with equipment dealers and see prototype equipment in action.

The event will be held at POET Biorefining – Emmetsburg (4724 380th St.).
Schedule of events:
10 a.m. Event opens
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Equipment harvest demonstration
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lunch (provided) and equipment viewing
1 – 1:30 p.m. Speaking program
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Equipment harvest demonstration (repeat)

Project LIBERTY, the transformation of a 50 million gallons per year (MGPY) grain-to-ethanol plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa into an integrated corn-to-ethanol and cellulose-to-ethanol biorefinery, is jointly funded by POET, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and the State of Iowa. Once complete, the facility will produce 125 MGPY, of which 25 million gallons will be from corn fiber and corn cobs. By adding cellulosic production to an existing grain ethanol plant, POET will be able to produce 11 percent more ethanol from a bushel of corn, 27 percent more from an acre of corn, while reducing fossil fuel consumption and water use.

Construction is projected to begin in 2009, and production of cellulosic ethanol could come as early as 2011. POET is currently producing ethanol from corn cobs in a laboratory setting and will be producing ethanol through the process on a pilot scale at its Scotland, S.D. plant by the end of the year.

<b>About POET</b>
The largest ethanol producer in the world, according to the Renewable Fuels Association, POET is an established leader in the biorefining industry through project development, design and construction, research and development, plant management, and marketing. The 20-year old company currently operates 25 production facilities in the United States with one more under construction. The company produces and markets more than 1.4 billion gallons of ethanol and 350 million tons of distillers grains annually. For more information, go to http://www.poet.com.

# # #http://www.poet.com/news/showEvent.asp?id=2310/24/2008

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (September 29, 2008) – On October 24, POET will host a grand opening event for POET Biorefining – Marion, a $130 million ethanol production facility near Marion, Ohio. It will be the 26th POET production facility and the third in the state of Ohio. The program is open to the public and will include addresses from U.S. Senator George Voinovich and U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown.

The event will be held at the facility (1660 Hillman-Ford Road) with guided public tours beginning at 9:30 a.m. At 10:45 a.m. the crowd will be treated to a flyover from the Vanguard Squadron – the world’s only 100 percent ethanol-powered aerobatic fleet. The speaking program, featuring POET CEO Jeff Broin, will start at 11:00 a.m. and lunch will be served by Country Catering from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Tours will resume at 12:30 a.m. and run through 2:30 p.m.
Schedule of events:
9:30 – 10:45 a.m. Public tours
10:45 a.m. Vanguard Squadron Fly-over
11:00 a.m. – noon Speaking program
Noon – 1:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Public tours

Attendees will also be able to view a life-sized replica of the #17 Ethanol Car from the Indy Racing League that is co-sponsored by POET. Public parking for the event is available at 1600 Marion Bucyrus Road in Marion. Buses will run to and from the public parking place and the facility throughout the day.

POET Biorefining – Marion will produce 65 million gallons of ethanol per year from more than 22 million bushels of local corn and provide around 40 jobs with an annual payroll of approximately $2 million. It will be the third ethanol plant opened by POET in Ohio. Once the Marion facility is operational, POET’s annual production capacity will be 1.54 billion gallons.

<b>About POET</b>
The largest ethanol producer in the world according to the Renewable Fuels Association, POET is an established leader in the biorefining industry through project development, design and construction, research and development, plant management, and marketing. The 20-year old company currently operates 24 production facilities in the United States with two more under construction. The company produces and markets more than 1.4 billion gallons of ethanol annually. For more information, go to http://www.poet.com.

# # #http://www.poet.com/news/showEvent.asp?id=224/17/2008

POET to host grand opening in Indiana on April 17
Lt. Governor Skillman & Director of Dept. of Ag to give addresses

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (March 20, 2008) – On April 17, POET will host a grand opening event for POET Biorefining – Alexandria. The $115 million ethanol production facility in Alexandria, Ind. will be the 23rd POET production facility. The program is open to the public and will include addresses from Lt. Governor Becky Skillman and Andy Miller, Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.

The event will be held at the facility (13179 N 100 East) with guided public tours beginning at 9:30 a.m. At 10:45 a.m. the crowd will be treated to a flyover from the Vanguard Squadron – the world’s only 100 percent ethanol-powered aerobatic fleet. The speaking program will start at 11:00 a.m. and lunch will be served by Rachel's HI Way Café from noon to 1:30 p.m. Tours will resume at 12:30 p.m. and run through 2:30 p.m.
Schedule of events:
9:30 – 10:45 a.m. Public tours
10:45 a.m. Vanguard Squadron Fly-over
11:00 a.m. – noon Speaking program
Noon – 1:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Public tours

Attendees will also be able to view a life-sized replica of the #17 Ethanol Car from the Indy Racing League that is co-sponsored by POET. Public parking for the event is available at the Madison County Fairgrounds. Buses will run to and from the public parking place and the facility throughout the day.

POET Biorefining – Alexandria will produce 65 million gallons of ethanol per year from more than 22 million bushels of corn from the area and provide around 40 jobs with an annual payroll of approximately $2 million. It will be the second ethanol plant opened by POET in Indiana while one additional plant is under construction near North Manchester. Once the Alexandria facility is operational, POET’s annual production capacity will be 1.33 billion gallons.

<b>About POET</b>
POET, the largest ethanol producer in the world according to the Renewable Fuels Association, is an established leader in the biorefining industry through project development, design and construction, research and development, plant management, and marketing. The 20-year old company currently operates 22 production facilities in the United States with five more in construction or under development. The company produces and markets more than 1.25 billion gallons of ethanol annually. For more information, go to http://www.poetenergy.com.

# # #http://www.poet.com/news/showEvent.asp?id=204/10/2008

SIOUX FALLS, SD - The City of Sioux Falls and POET will announce a significant environmental partnership this week.

Sioux Falls Mayor Dave Munson and POET CEO Jeff Broin will make the announcement Thursday, April 10, at 3 p.m. at POET corporate headquarters, 4615 North Lewis Avenue.

<b>About POET</b>
POET, the largest ethanol producer in the world according to the Renewable Fuels Association, is an established leader in the biorefining industry through project development, design and construction, research and development, plant management, and marketing. The 20-year old company currently operates 22 production facilities in the United States with five more in construction or under development. The company produces and markets more than 1.25 billion gallons of ethanol annually. For more information, go to <a href="http://www.poetenergy.com">http://www.poetenergy.com</a>.

# # #http://www.poet.com/news/showEvent.asp?id=21