Enerkem gasification process
GreenField Ethanol, Canada’s largest ethanol producer, and Enerkem, a leading gasification and catalysis technology company, have signed a Binding Term Sheet outlining their plan to produce cellulosic ethanol on a commercial scale.
“We are excited to work with Enerkem to make cellulosic ethanol a commercial reality in Canada,” said Bob Gallant, President and CEO of GreenField Ethanol. “Canadian consumers are looking for a greener, affordable alternative to fossil fuels and GreenField is delivering by expanding its corn ethanol business to include new bio-based fuels,” added Frank Dottori, Managing Director of the company’s Cellulosic Ethanol division.
The companies agreed to terms that will see them collaborate 50/50 on joint projects to design, build and operate commercial cellulosic ethanol plants using Enerkem technology in specified geographic areas. The first plant location has been secured within Canada and will be announced in the coming weeks. A second plant is also in development.
Enerkem’s technology converts biomass such as sorted municipal solid waste and urban wood residues into cellulosic ethanol and other biofuels. It eliminates more than two tonnes of greenhouse gases (GHGs) per tonne of residues used as feedstock. The company’s founders have been active in gasification for many years. Enerkem’s pilot plant, which has run more than 3,000 hours since 2003, produces syngas, methanol and cellulosic ethanol. The company is currently building a commercial scale cellulosic ethanol demonstration plant in Westbury, Quebec.
