2020-04-30 05:52:37
Pinnacle Renewable Energy and Enviva have both issued statements in response to COVID-19, outlining how they are minimizing risks to their employees, stakeholders and communities in which they operate. Both companies reported that they are able to continue operating, following appropriate practices to ensure employees remain safe.
John Keppler, chairman and CEO of Enviva, reported that the company expects to make every delivery required under its current long-term off-take agreements.
“Although the current COVID-19 environment remains fluid and uncertain, we believe the flexibility and resiliency of our operations, the designation of our business as critical infrastructure by government authorities, and the decisions we are making to protect our people and our communities, will enable us to continue to safely, stably, and reliably maintain production levels and deliveries,” he said in a statement.
Pinnacle is moving ahead with capital projects at its High Level, Alta., and Demopolis, Ala., facilities, following the appropriate precautions for COVID-19. However, the dryer upgrade at the Williams Lake, B.C., facility has been put on hold until equipment vendors can be onsite for commissioning purposes without any restrictions.
The company also reported that it does not expect demand for pellets to be impacted, given its long-term take or pay contracts with customers. If demand for lumber is reduced, thereby impacting the supply of sawmill residuals, Pinnacle will use harvest residuals and increased inventories, which the company has already been implementing as a result of sawmill curtailments in B.C.
Rob McCurdy, Pinnacle’s CEO, was set to retire as of May 5, 2020. However, he will now stay on with the company until Oct. 31, 2020, to help Pinnacle manage the crisis.
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