VARENNES, QC – Greenfield Global Inc., Canada’s largest ethanol producer and a world leader in high-purity specialty alcohols, has begun a feasibility study to significantly expand operations for sustainable biofuel production at its biorefinery in Varennes, Quebec.

The Varennes distillery is the first ethanol plant built in Quebec. The plant already produces some of the lowest-carbon fuel ethanol in North America and is on its way to becoming part of a state of the art biorefinery complex. The potential expansion stands to increase its annual ethanol production capacity by 70 per cent (from 170 mly to 300 mly). The feasibility study will also incorporate the adaptation of emerging advanced biofuels technologies using non-traditional feedstocks and processes, including cellulosic ethanol, renewable diesel, and renewable natural gas.

Commenting on the announcement, Greenfield Global’s president and CEO Howard Field stated, “Greenfield understands very well the need to produce low-carbon biofuels and renewable energy if Canada is going to meet its Paris Accord commitments. We are committed to being a strong partner in building a low-carbon economy – both through the process by which we manufacture our ethanol, and the biofuel itself. Expanding biofuels production in Varennes would make both a meaningful contribution towards achieving Canada’s GHG reduction targets, and is perfectly aligned with the goals of Quebec’s 2030 Energy Policy and 2013-2020 Climate Change Action Plan.”

The assessment process will include a thorough review of available feedstocks and technologies.