SOUTHFIELD – NextGen Energy hopes to build two ethanol plants in Michigan, one in Watervliet in Berrien County in the southwest corner of the state, the other is in McBain in the central part of Northern Lower Michigan. Preliminary site plans have been approved, but permits have not yet been issued.
Each plant will produce 50 million gallons of ethanol per year of ethanol, employ 40 people, and create as many as 600 direct and indirect new jobs in the communities where they are located. The yearly local economic benefit for each plant is projected to be $25 million.
?These plants are a win-win for Michigan and for the communities in which they will be built,? said Todd Wyett, CEO of NextGen Energy. ?They will help our economy, create new jobs, positively impact the environment, lower fuel costs and reduce our reliance on external sources for energy.?
Ethanol is a clean-burning, high-octane fuel that is produced from renewable sources. At its most basic, ethanol is grain alcohol, produced from crops such as corn. Because it is domestically produced, ethanol helps reduce America’s dependence upon foreign sources of energy.
Pure, 100 percent ethanol is not generally used as a motor fuel. Instead, a percentage of ethanol is combined with unleaded gasoline. The ethanol decreases the fuel’s cost, increases its octane rating and decreases gasoline’s harmful emissions.
Construction inquiries should be directed to Craig Froggett at Devere Construction Company Inc. in Alpena, (989) 356-4411. Site engineering questions should be directed to Tom Cote’ at Wilcox Professional Services in Farmington, (248) 478-3690. Investor inquiries should be directed to Todd A. Wyett at (248) 352-2454.
