Canada invests $25 million in biofuels production

MOORETOWN, ONTARIO ― Suncor Energy's ethanol plant in St. Clair is doubling its production of ethanol, thanks to a $25 million investment for expansion by the Canadian government. The plant currently produces 200 million liters of ethanol a year and will be expanded to double its capacity to 400 million liters per year.

Expected to be completed in September 2009, the facility has also received equity investment from farmers totaling $12.5 million. This project will create new opportunities for farmers who are growing the feedstock to produce the ethanol, as well new opportunities for those who are involved as financial and business partners in the plant's expansion.

In addition to ethanol, the plant will produce dried distillers grains with solubles, sources of high protein and high-energy feed for dairy and beef cows, hogs and poultry, as well as carbon dioxide, which is used to freeze foods and produce carbonated beverages and fire extinguishers.