Suncor Energy selected for bio project

Lignol Innovations, with local partner Suncor Energy, is one of four companies chosen by the U.S Department of Energy for federal funding to build small-scale biorefinery projects to help meet the nation’s demand for renewable fuels. Suncor Energy, headquartered in Alberta, operates the state’s only oil refinery in Commerce City, as well as Phillips 66 service stations. The Department of Energy will provide up to $30 million for the facility.

"I am pleased that Colorado continues to be a leader in helping prepare the nation for a more environmentally beneficial future," said Jim Martin, executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. "We can thank forward looking companies like Lignol Innovations and Suncor Energy for pursuing this renewable energy project. It is a perfect fit with the leadership that Gov. Bill Ritter has demonstrated with his recently announced Climate Change Action plan."

The planned cellulosic ethanol plant, that Suncor hopes to locate at one of its Colorado properties, will convert hard and soft wood residues into ethanol and commercial products.

Paul A. Ludwig, manager of government relations for Suncor Energy, said, "We believe that cellulosic ethanol is the next step forward in renewable fuels in light of its enhanced greenhouse gas attributes and its reliance on waste versus agricultural feedstock. Further, cellulosic ethanol produced through the unique Lignol process delivers unique benefits in the areas of reduced energy and water use."

Ludwig confirmed that Suncor and Lignol currently are investigating siting opportunities for the commercial demonstration plant in Colorado. Suncor's Commerce City refining facility does have land adjacent to the refinery. However, this land is just one option for a demonstration plant. It is premature at this point to identify this land as the approved location, he said.

Now that the DOE has announced that Lignol has received the grant money for the development of a biorefinery, Suncor will be working with Lignol to look at the most appropriate site for the demonstration plant.