Enerkem, engaged in the production of next-generation biofuels and green chemicals, has announced its plans to build and operate a second-generation biofuels production facility located in Pontotoc, Mississippi.
In addition, the company has signed a memorandum of intent with the Three Rivers Solid Waste Management Authority of Mississippi (TRSWMA) for the supply of approximately 189,000 tons of unsorted municipal solid waste (MSW) per year for use as feedstock at the Pontotoc facility.
Plans call for the plant to be built, owned and operated by Enerkem Mississippi Biofuels, a wholly owned subsidiary of Enerkem, said the company.
The biofuel company expects to produce 20 million gallons per year of next-generation ethanol using a mix of feedstock comprised of wood residues from regional forest and agricultural operations, as well as urban biomass such as municipal solid waste, construction and demolition debris, and treated wood.
In addition to the biofuels production facility, the investment includes an upstream municipal solid waste recycling and pre-treatment center. The total project represents a $250 million investment.
The Enerkem process will recycle and convert approximately 60% of the MSW that crosses the gate at the Three Rivers landfill. The majority of the MSW will be converted into biofuels and the remainder will be distributed to recycling processors. The overall project is expected to create 150 long-term direct and indirect jobs, and to generate an additional 300 jobs during the construction and start-up phases.
