So... Back on topic?
For anyone who is interested in learning more about how this process works, here are a few interesting links:
http://ieabioenergytask33.org/content/info/244
I am not sure if I am in favour of this for a few reasons:
Pros...
1. We need to reduce our physical landfill footprint, no doubt. This does that.
2. Landfills generate fugitive methane emissions as the waste breaks down, this needs to be avoided. This does that.
3. Biofuel from food is almost always the worst use of the land and shouldn't happen. Arrable land should be used to feed people, not put gas in the car. Fortunately this offers a good alternative
4. Waste management is an ideal partner to have for this company as they invest heavily in renewable technology plays. They have solid commercial agreements.
5. I like to see the petrochemical industry expanding in Alberta.
Cons...
1. One of the things the fairly slick marketing does gloss over here is where does the steam come from to operate the "bubbling fluidized bed reactor"? I would guess they are brining natural gas to get that energy. How green is it really, on a "wells to wheels" basis? I flat out don't buy the "reduces carbon emissions" story. Because they burn methane that wouldn't normally be burned, to convert waste cellulose that wouldn't normally be burned into fuel that is to be combusted... Thereby releasing more co2 into the atmosphere. Sorry, but this hardly appears to be what I would call an atmosphere friendly tech. It's kind of a multi step way to burn our garbage. Why don't we just light it up in the landfill, use that heat to turn turbines and make electricity, and call it a day?
2. The company who is pioneering the technology has racked up close to 50 million in net losses from 2009 - 2013 and had to pull it's IPO in 2012 due to "unfavorable market conditions" despite getting lots of grant funding - this tells me the process is not economic until it reaches greater scale. Considering it's feedstock actually has a negative price (they get paid to receive their primary input), it's pretty concerning to me that they wouldn't be able to make a go of this at a time where "green" energy grants are flying left right and centre for firms with steel built.
3. From what I've read, this is a 20 year agreement - what happens if the company goes belly up? Would be interesting to see the terms of the agreement.
4. Their demo plant in Quebec hasn't produced methanol from its
Ethanol output yet. Prove to the market that your firm can take the last step and mLe the more valuable product. Head shaker!
5. In Edmonton, Alberta... Why methanol? Syngas can be used to make all kinds of fun stuff. I feel like the business plan lacks imagination. Intuition tells me more could be done with this to make it a profitable venture sooner and perhaps at lower scale.
It is certainly an interesting case to read into, and I look forward to following how they do, especially in my line of work. Thanks to the OP for bringing this company to my attention!