ARC and Government of Canada Launch Biofuels Analysis Incentive Program
September 7, 2005
EDMONTON – In support of the Government of Canada’s Biodiesel Initiative, the Alberta Research Council Inc. (ARC) has teamed up with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to create an on-line Biofuels Quality Registry.
Biodiesel producers and end-users can now register on the Biofuels Quality Registry Web site, an extranet site hosted by ARC, to have their products tested for quality. The site is established as the national database into which analysis results of candidate biofuels are entered. This registry will help ensure that end-users have a quality product and producers have an option for quality control.
“Biofuels are a crucial and innovative part of our efforts to ensure a clean environment in the years to come and achieve our ultimate objectives regarding climate change,” said the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. “We are pleased to work with ARC on this project to make clean alternative fuels a viable alternative for producers and end-users.”
NRCan will provide a partial rebate on the cost of the analysis, which averages $1,400, to encourage more small and medium-sized producers, as well as end-users, to have biodiesel analyzed on a regular basis. This is a two-year program with $100,000 available per year.
A Biofuels Technical Steering Committee (BTSC) consisting of representatives from ARC, NRCan and Environment Canada will approve all applications for incentives. NRCan and Environment Canada will use the information collected to support research and policy activities.
The results obtained from the fuel quality tests of biodiesel will be entered into an accessible database that will track biodiesel quality metrics, thus developing an industry protocol and standard for biofuel analysis.
ARC’s Fuels and Lubricants Group (FLG) will perform the fuel testing. FLG is a nationally recognized accredited laboratory with an exceptional reputation for producing high-quality results for more than 65 years. During this time, the laboratory has conducted quality assurance programs for the Canadian petroleum industry and has developed significant expertise for a wide range of petroleum analyses including fuel certifications. This expertise has recently expanded to the analysis of biodiesel.
NRCan will use the information gathered by the registry to develop a set of specifications for biofuels in Canada and help establish a quality benchmark for biodiesel. The Government of Canada may also use the information to compile an annual trends report that will be available through the site. All results will be confidential and specific to the user.
“All analytical data will be confidentially coded,” says Deni Sarnelli, program coordinator, ARC, “This will offer complete security to the user. Users apply for approval, receive a username and password, then send in the sample for analysis and check online for results.”
The Biofuels Quality Registry is part of the Biodiesel Initiative proposed in 2003 within the Climate Change Plan for Canada to improve the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Funding was allocated to the initiative to address technical and market barriers to the Canadian biodiesel industry.
The extranet site can be found at www.biofuels.arc.ab.ca.
The Alberta Research Council Inc. (ARC) delivers innovative science and technology solutions to meet the priorities of industry and government in Alberta and beyond. Integrated multi-disciplinary teams help customers and partners take technologies from the laboratory to the field, strengthening their competitiveness and sustainability. ARC accelerates the development of products, processes and services in the energy, life sciences, agriculture, environment, forestry and manufacturing sectors.
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is a Government of Canada department specializing in the sustainable development and use of natural resources, energy, minerals and metals, forests and Earth sciences.
For more information, media may contact:
Ghyslain Charron
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
(613) 992-4447
Tom Ormsby
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
(613) 996-2007
Deni Sarnelli
Program Officer
Alberta Research Council Inc.
(780) 450-5109
To arrange for a photo, please contact:
Bernie Poitras
Corporate Relations
Alberta Research Council Inc.
(780) 450-5145