You can read on their website all the work that was done by Bluefire in proving out their unique process for making cellulosic ethanol( and related materials) in Japan. This pilot-plant work led to their decision to make a full-scale plant using wood waste materials in Fulton, MS.
Their only problem was the reversal of our DOE on a grant that would have supplemented the offer of a loan by a Chinese bank( their EXIM Bank), that together would have furnished construction and start-up costs of a commercial-size plant.
That change in their original DOE grant was made by the previous DOE leadership under Pres. Obama. Whether or not the new DOE leadership under Trump will restore that grant remains to be seen?
Other options are possible, although I have no knowledge of anything under consideration. These may include selling or merging Bluefire with another company interested in cellulosic ethanol, or maybe just granting a license to use their technology, etc.
