Enerkem and Sinobioway sign an agreement to build over 100 waste-to-biofuel plants in China

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Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF.

Last September, Enerkem started the first commercial-scale plant in the world to produce cellulosic ethanol from non-recyclable, non-compostable mixed MSW (see Enerkem begins production of cellulosic ethanol from MSW at its Edmonton biorefinery, 18/09/2017). After achieving this important milestone, the company is aiming high in the development of a global market for its technology.

Enerkem has just announced that it has signed an agreement with Sinobioway Group worth over C$ 125 million in the form of equity investment, future licenses, equipment manufacturing and sales. The agreement involves the creation of a major joint venture that will lead the construction of over 100 waste-to-biofuel plants in China by 2035 (press release, 22/01/2018). The announcement was made in the presence of the Premier of Quebec, Philippe Couillard, during his China trade mission.

Figure 1. Logos of Enerkem and Sinobioway


Sinobioway, Chinese conglomerate engaged in the bioeconomy, will help accelerate Enerkem's global growth by opening the vast market of China. The group primarily invests in bioenergy, bioenvironmental protection, biomedicine, bioagriculture, bioservice, biomanufacturing and biointelligence areas. With 4,000 employees, it is one of the three main industrial groups affiliated with Peking University. The company was founded in 1992 and is based in Beijing.

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