Is bio-fuel the next best option for planes?
By Contributor
Oilseed producers can look forward to tapping into a new emerging industry with a study that will assess the feasibility of producing renewable bio-based jet fuel. Saskatoon – Humboldt Member of Parliament Brad Trost announced today an investment of over $150,000 to determine the economic feasibility of developing this industry in Saskatchewan, as part of National Biotechnology Week celebrations.
“With major airlines aiming for the increased use of renewable fuels, it is important that farmers have the opportunity to be involved in meeting this demand,” said MP Trost on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “This project will determine the potential benefit to producers and processors as well as Saskatchewan’s economy, while helping to develop an emerging enviro-friendly industry.”
The project, led by Saskatchewan-based Ag-West Bio Inc., will assess the feasibility of using dedicated industrial oilseed crops Camelina sativa and Brassica carinata to produce renewable jet fuel. The study will look at feedstock production, processing requirements and potential commercial partners, as well as logistics and infrastructure.
The bio-based jet fuel industry is a very specialized field and Ag-West Bio will use external service providers with expertise in each of the critical activities to interview industry experts and prospective customers, and review research information to complete the three components of the feasibility report.
“With the aviation industry committed to developing sustainable biofuels, there appears to be huge potential in this area, both for producers, and for the province as a whole in downstream processing,” said Mike Cey, VP Corporate & Business Development for Ag-West Bio. “This study will allow us to make informed decisions in order to map out the best path forward in further developing this exciting opportunity in Saskatchewan.”
Organized by BIOTECanada, National Biotechnology Week celebrates the work of biotechnology scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs across Canada.
This project is being funded under the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). In Saskatchewan, CAAP is delivered by the Agriculture Council of Saskatchewan (ACS). CAAP is a five-year (2009-2014), $163-million initiative that aims to help the Canadian agricultural sector adapt and remain competitive.
The Next Phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, coupled with other Government of Canada programs and initiatives such as CAAP, continues to help farmers by focusing on creating jobs and strengthening the economy. Investments in new and emerging market opportunities will help build an even stronger agriculture industry and Canadian economy for the future.
Links:
For more information on CAAP, please visit www.agr.gc.ca/caap.
To learn more about ACS, please visit www.agcouncil.ca.
For more information on National Biotechnology Week, please visit www.biotech.ca.
