Outlook

There is a good chance that the ethanol rectification and dehydration plant project can soon be realised. This plant would be built on Swiss Alcohol Board land, next to the present Alcosuisse operation in Delémont. The plan is to build a flexible unit that can produce both ethanol fuel and ethanol for use in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

Factors in favour of the project include:

The financing appears to be available, and the project enjoys the support of both the cantonal (Jura) and municipal (Delémont) authorities.

The proposed production channel uses raw ethanol from the most environmentally and socially responsible Brazilian production units.

The most advanced and the most energy efficient technologies will be used to finish the various products in Delémont. The tax exemption factor will ensure a positive ecobalance. 

Factors that could halt development include:

The prospects for distribution will still depend on a more positive image for sustainable production channels, which today are often considered without distinction.

Regarding distribution, the issue of vapour pressure for 5% blends is still being discussed at the European level, and once this is settled the situation in Switzerland can be clarified.