The Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park has landed another pilot project.
Bioindustrial Innovation Canada (BIC) will provide financial support, technical advice and services to Aduro Energy Inc.
The company, established in 2012, has developed a highly flexible clean energy platform featuring three water-based technologies. The 'hydrochemolytic' technology converts heavy oils and biomass into renewable fuels and is seen as a good fit for Chemical Valley industry.
BIC Executive Director Sandy Marshall said the local research park is an ideal location for testing and scaling up the technology.
"That has been well-known to many companies, so we attract a number of them that way," said Marshall. "Their technology really does bridge between the renewable technologies and the traditional petrochemicals. Their markets will be to companies like we have here in Sarnia."
Aduro plans to set up at the research park on Modeland Road in about a year, once its early stage pilot testing is completed at London's Western University.
Marshall said the eventual goal is to establish a full-sized plant locally.
"That's at least a few years away, but that's why the county and the city put the investment into the park. They recognized that if you want to get economic development you need to connect with these companies early and then have them grow in the community with you."
Marshall said a small number of staff will be hired to work at the pilot plant, but there's an opportunity for more jobs in the next phase.
-With files from Melanie Irwin