Canada invests in biofuel plants

The Government of Canada is investing CA$13.72 million (€8.9 million) over seven years in NorAmera BioEnergy’s bioethanol plant in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, as part of a new EcoEnergy for Biofuels initiative.

‘By investing in this project, we are helping to create and sustain local jobs and economic opportunities while encouraging a healthier environment for all Canadians,’ said Ed Komarnicki, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources.

Compared to petrol, grain-based bioethanol can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40% on a life-cycle basis. For biodiesel, the emissions reduction can be as much as 60%.

The Government of Canada will invest up to CA$1.5 billion over nine years through the EcoEnergy for Biofuels programme. In August, Husky Energy was awarded a grant of CA$72.8 million from the Canadian Government towards the cost of its ethanol plant in Minnedosa, Manitoba. The government also recently pledged to provide up to CA$72.4 million in new funding over the next seven years to a biodiesel plant in Hamilton, Ontario.

The Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan also dedicates CA$1 billion to the Clean Energy Fund and CA$1 billion for the Green Infrastructure Fund to provide additional economic stimulus while promoting a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for Canadians.

To find out more about the biofuels industry in Canada attend Biofuels International Canada expo & conference from 28-29 October in Montreal. For more information visit: http://www.biofuelsinternationalexpo.com/canada/