Canada funds new bio projects
Biodiesel and and biorefinery projects have been included in the latest round of SDTC funding.
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Safflower field Image: BlackburnPhoto |
Sustainable Development Technology Canada's SD Tech fund has allocated several million Canadian dollars to the projects as part of the SDTC's latest investment round worth a total of C$53m.
Two bio-fuel related projects will receive funding. The first is a C$1.6m tranche to Ontario-based Azule Fuels Inc. which is set to develop a second generation biorefinery. The plant will use a patented solid acid catalyst to produce biodiesel and pure glycerin. Operated in conjunction with Alliance Sustainable Chemistry and Lanxess, the refinery is aimed at demonstrating the viability of production from non-consumer foodchain feedstocks.
Meanwhile a consortium including Vancouver-based Linnaceus Plant Sciences will also receive SDTC funds in a bid to develop a process to produce renewable, biodegradable industrial oils and feedstocks. Using Camelina and safflower, the company will demonstrate the potential of the plants in the lubes and polymer production chain. Not only do the industrial oils bring environmental benefits, but the plants themselves also have benefits through short growing seasons, allowing better use of land and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
