Enerkem produces advanced biofuels and renewable chemicals from waste. — Photo courtesy Enerkem Inc. Enerkem Inc., a world-leading waste-to-biofuels
Enerkem produces advanced biofuels and renewable chemicals from waste. — Photo courtesy Enerkem Inc.
Enerkem Inc., a world-leading waste-to-biofuels and chemicals producer, was named, at the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) 10 & Mission Innovation 4(MI-4) event hosted by the Government of Canada in Vancouver, British Columbia, finalist of The Sky's the Limit Challenge led by Natural Resources Canada.
As one of the four finalists of the Green Aviation Fuels Innovation Competition, Enerkem will receive $2 million to support its next endeavour: an 18-month competition to produce the most economical and environmentally sustainable aviation fuel and win the $5-million grand prize.
Initially announced in August 2018 by Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, The Sky's the Limit Challenge is part of a nationwide challenge to Canadians to develop the cleanest, most affordable and sustainable aviation fuel for the aviation sector to further reduce its carbon footprint and fight climate change.
"It is an honor and privilege for our innovative technology to be recognized as a pathway and solution to some of the most pressing issues facing Canadians today", shared Dominique Boies, President and CEO (acting) and Chief Financial Officer, Enerkem. "By expanding the range of biofuels and biochemicals enabled by our technology, Enerkem will be able to set new global standards in waste management, biofuels and renewable chemicals and be at forefront of the circular economy."
Beyond waste-to-biofuel, the future of the circular economy will increasingly be driven by science. Enerkem researchers and scientists are looking ahead at waste management processes, as well as the biofuels and green chemicals of the future by addressing new markets such as aviation fuel. Enerkem research and engineering to date has resulted in 22 patent families, over 100 international patents and countless innovative breakthroughs since the company's inception in 2000.
The Sky's the Limit Challenge is the second of five planned challenges under Natural Resources Canada's $75-million Impact Canada Initiative, which is helping to drive innovation and accelerate the clean growth economy. These challenges reward the best ideas and focus on achieving stronger social, environmental, and economic outcomes for citizens.
Enerkem produces advanced biofuels and renewable chemicals from waste. Its disruptive proprietary technology converts non-recyclable, non-compostable municipal solid waste into methanol, ethanol and other widely-used chemicals. Headquartered in Montreal (QC), Canada, Enerkem operates a full-scale commercial facility in Alberta as well as an innovation centre in Quebec. Enerkem's facilities are built as prefabricated systems based on the company's modular manufacturing infrastructure that can be deployed globally. Enerkem's technology is a prime example of how a true circular economy can be achieved by diversifying the energy mix and by making everyday products greener while offering a smart, sustainable alternative to landfilling and incineration.
