The Canadian government has announced a significant investment of over $11 million in seven innovative clean and alternative fuel projects across the country. The funding, announced on January 7, aims to bolster the development and production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), renewable diesel, and other forms of bioenergy, contributing to Canada's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a cleaner energy future.

The funding is being distributed through two key programs: the Energy Innovation Program (EIP), which provides $5.5 million, and the Clean Fuels Fund (CFF), contributing the remaining amount to support crucial clean energy studies. These investments will support research, development, and implementation of sustainable fuel solutions.

Among the funded projects, several focus on producing advanced biofuels. The Industrial Waste Technology Centre, in collaboration with Enerkem, CRB Innovations, and CanmetEnergy-Ottawa, will receive $2.55 million from the EIP. This funding will support a pilot project in Quebec focused on producing a novel, sustainable diesel fuel derived from wood products. The innovative approach involves processing feedstock at smaller local facilities before sending it to a central site for efficient and cost-effective refining.

Greenfield Global Inc., based in Alberta, will receive $1 million from the EIP to advance the production of SAF and renewable diesel from waste biomass. The project will utilize a Fischer-Tropsch process to convert forestry waste into biocrude and then gas, paving the way for a more sustainable aviation sector.

The Wanagekong-Biiwega’iganan Clean Energy Corp. has secured $2.25 million from the CFF to conduct a front-end engineering and design (FEED) study for a commercial-scale facility in Ontario. This facility will produce SAF, renewable diesel, and naphtha from wood waste and non-merchantable fiber, demonstrating the potential of utilizing forestry byproducts for clean fuel production.

Beyond biofuels, the funding also supports projects exploring other clean energy solutions. PyroGenesis Inc. will receive $424,000 from the EIP to develop high-power, durable plasma torches with long-lasting electrodes. This Quebec-based project aims to create a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel burners for high-temperature industrial applications, reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels in industrial processes.

CRH Canada Group Inc. will receive $1.5 million from the EIP for a project in Ontario focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in cement production. The project will explore the use of alternative low-carbon fuel (ALCF) made from biomass and non-recyclable materials as a replacement for coal and other fossil fuels.

In Manitoba, the Beausejour Brokenhead Development Corp. will receive $92,500 from the CFF to develop a Bioeconomy Development Opportunity (BDO) Zone Rating for wheat straw resources. This initiative aims to stimulate local economic growth by accelerating the development of bio-based projects.

Finally, Atura H2 LP has been awarded $3.52 million from the CFF to conduct feasibility and FEED studies for a proposed 20-megawatt facility in Ontario that would produce hydrogen via electrolysis. This project explores the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier.