Waste conversion

Enerkem begins commercial production

Enerkem Inc., a biofuels and renewable chemicals producer headquartered in Montreal, says it has started commercial production of cellulosic ethanol at its facility in Edmonton, Alberta. The facility produces cellulosic ethanol from nonrecyclable, noncompostable mixed municipal solid waste (MSW).

The company has been producing and selling biomethanol since 2016. It had expanded production to include cellulosic ethanol earlier in 2017, with the installation of its methanol-to-ethanol conversion unit.

“The commercial production of cellulosic ethanol at our facility in Edmonton marks a landmark moment for our company as well as our customers in the waste management and petrochemical sectors and confirms our leadership in the advanced biofuels market,” says Vincent Chornet, president and CEO of Enerkem.

The independent judges of the ICIS (Independent Chemical Information Service) Innovation Awards 2017 also have announced that Enerkem has been selected as the winner in the Innovation with Best Benefit for Environment and Sustainability category, which highlight manufacturing processes or products, with reduced environmental impact.

Maryland Environmental Service and BTS Bioenergy partner for biodigester operations

The Maryland Environmental Service (MES), Millersville, Maryland, has announced it has entered into a consulting agreement with BTS Bioenergy to begin work for the company on planned projects in Howard County, Maryland.

MES Director and CEO Roy McGrath and Matthew Sherring, Strategic Partnerships executive, joined Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman and representatives of the Howard County Economic Development Authority for visits to the company’s operations and European headquarters in Verona, Italy, and the related announcement of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the county and BTS Bioenergy.

“These partnerships are yet another way Gov. Hogan’s administration is working on innovative technologies and projects to enhance our environment,” McGrath says. “Today’s agreements represent an important step in Maryland’s commitment to greater environmental sustainability and creating jobs.”

BTS Bioenergy will establish the company’s North American headquarters and develop two biodigestion recycling facilities in Howard County, its first locations in the U.S. The Howard County and BTS MOU will result in a $40 million investment and the creation of as many as 20 jobs in Howard County, according to MES. 

The MES and BTS Bioenergy agreement provides support and technical services for the Howard County projects.

MES currently operates 14 water and wastewater treatment facilities throughout Howard County, including those operating at a number of the county’s schools.