Greenfield Global, Quebec’s largest ethanol producer, has welcomed the announcement saying it could “result in a major expansion of the output of the company’s production in Quebec.”
Jean Roberge, EVP and Managing Director of Renewable Energy at Greenfield Global, commented, “Greenfield applauds the Quebec Government for its ambitious targets and firm commitment to transition the province’s energy. Biofuels are indeed a sector for the future. The government is demonstrating true leadership on climate change and taking steps necessary to effectively and efficiently increase the use and production of renewable fuels, like ethanol, in the province.”
The announcement of the proposed renewable fuel regulations comes at a time when Greenfield Global is considering the adaptation of emerging advanced biofuels technologies using non-traditional feedstocks and processes, including cellulosic ethanol, renewable diesel, and renewable natural gas to further reduce the carbon intensity of its biofuels. The first phase of Greenfield’s expansion study was completed in 2018, and the second phase will now commence with engineering, feedstock and environmental studies.
“Quebec’s announcement to increase renewable fuel blending requirements has resulted in the launch of Phase Two of our feasibility study for production expansion at our Varennes biorefinery,” said Roberge.
Greenfield operates the first ethanol plant built in Quebec. In operation since 2007, the Varennes biorefinery is a model for water and energy efficiency and produces the lowest carbon intensity ethanol in Canada, as well as corn oil and distillers’ grain.
Phase Two will include a thorough review of available feedstocks, engineering assessments, and new technologies. As has always been the case, Greenfield remains focused on job creation, local environment and economic benefits, agriculture, and advancing research in developing the next generation of its biofuel production platform.
