Suncor Energy doubles ethanol output at St. Clair

Integrated energy company Suncor Energy has completed the expansion of its St. Clair ethanol plant, located in the Sarnia-Lambton region of Canada.

The expansion project has doubled the plant's production capacity and it is now recognised as Canada's largest biofuel production facility, after its output was ramped up from 200 million litres a year of ethanol to 400 million litres a year.

To mark the completed $120 million (€85 million) expansion project, government representatives joined Suncor executives and local stakeholders at an event held onsite. The expansion created an estimated 250 construction jobs and the plant now employs 63 full-time personnel.

'The St. Clair ethanol plant is the platform for growth of Suncor's biofuels portfolio, and our successful expansion of the plant's capacity not only reinforces our commitment to increasing renewable energy options in Canada but builds on the strength of our relationship with St. Clair township and the Sarnia-Lambton region,' says Jim Provias, Suncor's VP, renewable energy.

The St. Clair base plant opened in June 2006.

Along with its 400 million gallon-a-year ethanol plant, Suncor also owns four wind power projects across Canada. Combined, these projects are expected to displace the equivalent of almost one million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.