Two Illinois ethanol plants canceled, three proceed as ethanol financing and permitting struggles continue

In Illinois, two ethanol plant projects are stalled or canceled due to the recent downturn in ethanol margins or opposition by local officials.

In Iroquois County, the Global Renewable Energy plant was rejected narrowly by county officials. Heartland Energy’s proposed 55 Mgy plant in Pike County plant is unable to secure financing.

However, Marquis Energy’s 100 Mgy plant in Putnam County and Patriot Renewable Fuels’ 100 Mgy plant in Henry County are proceeding with construction, while Illinois River Energy announced plans to increase capacity at its Rochelle plant by 50 Mgy.

Three other Illinois plants were cancelled or delayed earlier this year. Aventine Renewable Energy cancelled a plant expansion in Pekin, and Alternative Energy has faced financing delays for its proposed plants in Kankakee and Greenville. The Pekin project would have added 113 Mgy in production capacity.

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