Enerkem Starts Research Project with Canadian Government

Enerkem Inc., a waste-to-biofuels and renewable chemicals company based in Montreal, has launched a research project with the Canadian government. The project’s objective is to develop new catalytic processes for the conversion of waste into “drop-in” biofuels, which are fully interchangeable with hydrocarbon fuels such as conventional gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.

“Enerkem’s core business is the commercial production of cellulosic ethanol, and we now intend to take advantage of our flexible technology platform to gradually expand our line of biofuels and chemical products,” says Vincent Chornet, president and CEO of Enerkem. “This research project is part of our growth strategy and demonstrates our commitment towards innovation and a greener economy.”

The government of Canada is contributing $1.1 million to the project via Natural Resources Canada. “Through the ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative, our Government is investing in innovative clean energy technologies that create jobs, generate new economic opportunities and protect the environment,” says Joe Oliver, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources. “This program demonstrates our tangible support for energy projects that drive energy innovation.”

Enerkem’s technology produces a chemical-grade synthetic gas that serves as an intermediate for the production of renewable fuels and chemicals. This R&D project will be conducted at Enerkem’s research and development pilot facility in Sherbrooke, Quebec, in collaboration with the University of Sherbrooke.