Enerkem inks offtake agreement with Methanex Corp to produce methanol in Alberta

15-Sep-11

Enerkem Inc., a waste-to-biofuels and chemicals company, announced that it has entered into an offtake agreement with Methanex Corporation for the sale of methanol to be produced at Enerkem's facility in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. "The access to Methanex Corporation's worldwide distribution network coupled with our ability to produce methanol from non-recyclable waste represents a timely opportunity for Enerkem in the development of its commercial activities", said Vincent Chornet, President and CEO of Enerkem. "Our proprietary technology platform allows for the production of renewable fuels and chemicals, including methanol, which we can sell as an end-product or convert into cellulosic ethanol." Vanessa James, Vice-President, North America, Marketing and Logistics of Methanex commented, "We are pleased to add another supply source for our North American customers and to be working with Enerkem to develop markets for renewable methanol. Methanol is a viable and economic alternative fuel and, when produced from waste, it is an important step towards broader acceptance in a number of markets." Enerkem Alberta Biofuels LP, Enerkem's subsidiary in Edmonton, is expected to initially produce and sell methanol. The plant will subsequently produce cellulosic ethanol from methanol. Commercial production plant capacity is expected to be 36 mln litres (10 mln gallons) pa.