Ethanol Facility Groundbreaking Makes County the 'Alternative Energy Capital'

CLEARFIELD – BioEnergy International/Bionol Clearfield LLC not only celebrated a groundbreaking for its new ethanol facility, but also the start of an era, making Clearfield County the capital of alternative energy.

“The future is unfolding right here in Clearfield County,” Gov. Edward G. Rendell said. “The future begins here.”

He said the corn-based ethanol plant will be important, but the pilot, cellulosic plant is the future.

“I hope cellulosic ethanol in Pennsylvania will become what corn-based ethanol is for Iowa,” Rendell said.

He thanked Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Houtzdale, for bringing the project idea to fruition.

“He is the leader on environment and energy and responsible for the overall push,” Rendell said. “He made it clear the first state investment in BioEnergy would take place in Clearfield County.

“We’re not only going to make this facility one of the energy capitals of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, but I hope of America as well.”

Rep. George said the ethanol plant groundbreaking represented a day of promise and belief.

“I’m not just impressed with the dollars spent, the jobs it will provide and the gallons of fuel to be produced,” he said. “So many years ago, no one would have believed in this project.

“I would like to introduce the naysayers to Clearfield County – the can-do county. We’re worth believing in and will do you proud.”

Rep. George said the project required a team effort to prepare the field but credited Stephen J. Gatto, chairman and chief executive officer of BioEnergy International LLC, for planting the seed.

“I sat in the governor’s office 18 months ago with the plan and felt challenged,” Gatto said. “When I met (Bud) and saw his excitement, there was no doubt the project would move forward.”

Gatto said he was proud of the collaboration. “We’ve collaborated on the ushering in of a new industrial revolution.”

On behalf of BioEnergy International LLC, Gatto presented Gov. Rendell with a check for $248 million.

“It’s our private match to the state’s $22 million. We’re reciprocating the state’s investment and belief in changing the paradigm to a more clean, renewable and affordable energy,” Corrine Young, director of government affairs for BioEnergy, said.

“We’re proud to be in partnership with the community. We’re hoping to make Clearfield County the destination for renewable energy.”

Facility Background

The ethanol plant, which has received approximately $22 million in state funding, is currently in the first phase of construction.

“Phase 1 includes the site work leveling and regrading,” Young said.

She said construction workers are on location six days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

According to Young, the facility’s construction will get underway in April and consists of two plants.

She said the first facility will be a corn-based ethanol plant, while the second will serve as a pilot, cellulosic plant.

“It’s going to be a $275 million dollar investment for the corn-based plant alone. The pilot, cellulosic plant will require additional funding,” Young said.

“It will have the capabilities to produce more than 100 million gallons each year,” she said of the corn-based ethanol plant.

Young said both plants are expected to be completed and in operation in 2010.

She said the plants will combine to hire about 70 full-time employees, while talks of a third, potential plant would result in 30 to 40 additional jobs.