Enerkem is Named in the 2012 Global Cleantech 100

List Recognizes the Top Private Companies in Clean Technology

MONTREAL, Oct. 2, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Enerkem Inc. (www.enerkem.com), a waste-to-biofuels and chemicals company, today announced it has been named a 2012 Global Cleantech 100 company by the Cleantech Group, a global research and advisory firm focused on innovation in energy and the environment.

The Global Cleantech 100 list is unique in the sector because it highlights the promise of private clean technology companies from all around the world, focusing on those companies which the players in the market feel are currently the most likely to make the most significant market impact over the next 5-10 years.

"It's an honour to be part of this select group of innovators", said Vincent Chornet, Enerkem's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Enerkem was founded on the belief that people can live sustainable lives through energy innovation. We are thrilled to be recognized for this and our work in making waste into transportation fuels and renewable chemicals a reality."

The list is derived from Cleantech Group's own data and research combined with the weighted qualitative judgments of hundreds of nominations and the viewpoints of a global panel of 75 cleantech experts. To qualify for the list, companies must be independent, for-profit, cleantech companies that are not listed on any major stock exchange.

"The Global Cleantech 100 is a natural extension of our companywide mission to help corporations, investors and financiers, professional service firms and governmental agencies connect with global cleantech innovation", said Sheeraz Haji, Cleantech Group CEO.  "This report celebrates the best in innovation and is the industry standard on gauging where cleantech innovation is headed next."

8,285 companies were nominated this year from 85 countries. These companies were weighted and scored to create a short list of 236 companies presented to the expert panel for final input. The end result was 100 companies from 13 countries.

The 75-member expert panel is drawn principally from leading financial investors in Asia, Europe and North America, and from representatives of multinational corporations. The composition of the expert panel is created to be broadly representative of the global cleantech community, and includes pioneers, leaders, veterans, and new entrants in cleantech resulting in a list of companies that command a broad base of respect and support from many important players within the global cleantech innovation ecosystem, not just insiders.

The complete list of Global Cleantech 100 firms and expert panel members is available online.  The full report by Cleantech Group is available for download at http://www.cleantech.com/global-cleantech-100/.

About Enerkem
Enerkem develops biofuels and chemicals from waste. With its proprietary thermochemical technology, Enerkem converts abundantly available municipal solid waste (mixed textiles, plastics, fibers, wood and other non-recyclable waste materials) into chemical-grade syngas, and then methanol, ethanol and other chemical intermediates that form everyday products. By using waste instead of fossil fuels, Enerkem addresses the growing demand for renewable energy sources and chemicals, while reducing landfill volumes and greenhouse gas emissions. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, the company currently operates both a pilot and a demonstration facility in Québec, has its first waste-to-biofuels full-scale commercial plant under construction in Edmonton, Alberta, and is developing similar facilities in the U.S. and Canada that will convert municipal solid waste into biofuels and chemicals. www.enerkem.com

About Cleantech Group 
Cleantech Group's market intelligence, events and advisory services accelerate market adoption, stimulate demand, and remove barriers to cleantech innovation.  A global company with offices in North America and Europe, we connect business leaders with cleantech innovation through the i3 Platform, the most comprehensive, vetted, up-to-date source for insights into companies, investors, financing and relationships across the clean technology ecosystem.  Cleantech Group also produces the premier Cleantech Forum® and Focus™ events worldwide.

Image with caption: "PHOTO : Christine Bourgier, photographer (CNW Group/ENERKEM INC.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121002_C3406_PHOTO_EN_18731.jpg

SOURCE: ENERKEM INC.

For further information:

Marie-Hélène Labrie
Vice President, Government Affairs and Communications
Enerkem Inc.
[phone], x. 231
[e-mail]

Whitney Bennett Michael
Cleantech Group
[phone]
[e-mail]