Saskatchewan will likely push back the date when ethanol must be blended into fuel sold in the province.
The delay in constructing an 80-million-litre plant at Belle Plaine, Sask., means the supply won’t be available by the April 1, 2004 deadline.
Government regulations require a five percent ethanol blend by that date.
But Maynard Sonntag, the minister responsible for the crown corporations, said earlier this month that no longer appears possible, so the regulations will have to be changed.
“If we’re not able to begin construction this fall I don’t think there’s much doubt that we’d have to look at that date and give consideration to moving it back a bit,” he told reporters.
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The plant was announced nearly a year ago but the government’s partner, Broe Companies of Denver, Colo., has been unable to secure financing.
The opposition Saskatchewan Party doubts construction will ever take place.
Pound-Maker AgVentures at Lanigan produces 12 million litres a year but would be unable to supply the required amount of ethanol. A couple of other plants are also in the works.
Sonntag said the government still intends to develop the ethanol industry.
