Elgin County’s growing reputation as a favoured location for energy and environmental industries has received a boost from the opening of a biodisel plant that will soon be capable of producing 10 million litres of fuel a year.

Three entrepreneurs from Elgin County have invested $2 million to build the Noroxel Energy Ltd. plant, in addition to purchasing the property , just outside of Springfield on Ron McNeil Line.

The first truck carrying biodiesel to a fuel wholesaler left the plant May 26th, says Neil Bossuyt, one of the three partners and the company’s chief administration officer.

Bossuyt, who was previously general manager of Elgin Community Futures Corporation, and his partners John Hermsen and Gary Van Leeuwen have been developing Noroxel Energy for about two years. They have obtained all of the government approvals needed for their project, constructed storage tanks and containment dykes, purchased and commissioned the production equipment and hired plant manager Mike Hilliker effective May 1.

Biodiesel is a substitute fuel or additive for diesel that can be used in any unmodified diesel engine. It is a non-toxic and biodegradable fuel made from vegetable oils, waste cooking oil, animal fats or tall oil, a by-product from pulp and paper processing. Biodiesel fuel is sulphur-free and does not contain petroleum.

Bossuyt says Noroxel Energy is committed to being an environmentally friendly facility and a good neighbour. He says the company has received encouraging support from the community and from local governments.

In searching for a plant location, Noroxel’s partners were well aware that Elgin County is working to expand its energy and environment sector, which already includes advanced companies such as the Erie Shores Wind Farm, the Integrated Grain Processors Co-operative ethanol plant and the Dynamotive biofuel plant.

“When this property came up for sale, in Malahide Township where I was born and raised, I think what intrigued us was the opportunity to join the businesses already here in alternative energy,” Bossuyt says.

“I was very comfortable with working with Elgin County Economic Development and Malahide Township. They had the experience of the ethanol plant already so they understood the business and what was required, and were very helpful in getting us up and running.”

With its supportive community, diversified industry base and strong labour force, Elgin County has promise as an energy-producing region, Bossuyt says.

“We’ve got ethanol, wind, biodiesel and solar energy to come – Elgin County can be a net energy provider,” he predicts.