IRVINE, CA--(MARKET WIRE)--Dec 12, 2006 -- BlueFire Ethanol's (Other OTC:BFRE.PK - News) President/CEO Arnold Klann announced today that BlueFire has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MECS, Inc. (formerly Monsanto Enviro-Chem Systems, Inc.) as its lead Engineering Procurement and Construction contractor for the Company's cellulosic ethanol plants to serve the burgeoning renewable fuels market. BlueFire's goal is to design, develop and construct 20 plants in the next 6 years totaling 1.5 billion gallons in production and approximately $2.7 billion in gross revenue by 2012 with earnings in excess of $1.6 billion. MECS will work with BlueFire and JGC to complete design and commence construction of its first cellulosic plant by the second quarter of 2007.

MECS has built a reputation as a world leader in the design and construction of chemical plants. They have the engineering, procurement and construction capabilities to design and build turnkey ethanol projects. MECS also develops and delivers value added leading edge technologies to help improve plant productivity and reduce its energy costs.

"BlueFire is pleased to make this announcement regarding MECS, having assessed a number of qualified candidates across the market, we have concluded that MECS is best positioned to assist us in our growth goals," stated Arnold Klann.

"BlueFire's cellulose processing technology and business opportunities together with MECS' capabilities built on a heritage of nearly 100 years is an alliance that will lead to a very competitive solution for producing cellulosic ethanol from various biomass substrates," stated P.J. Desai, President of MECS. "We are excited to be working with BlueFire on the development and demonstration of the first commercial cellulosic ethanol plant in the United States and look forward to our alliance leading the rapid growth of this industry."

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About MECS

Monsanto Enviro-Chem Systems Inc. was formed, as a wholly owned subsidiary, by Monsanto Company in 1969 through a consolidation of several existing process technology, product and services businesses, some of which were established as early as 1917. On August 5, 2005, the management team of Monsanto Enviro-Chem Systems, Inc. successfully completed the purchase of their company from Monsanto. As a separate company, MECS has a sharper focus and strengthened resolve to continue delivering the highest quality processes, technologies, services and personal relationships to its customers worldwide. http://www.mecsglobal.com/