Grant: College and Community Innovation Program

Energy is an increasing global, national and regional concern. In May 2007, Olds College responded by adding biofuel to its bio-industry research program and with significant industry support, opened the BioFuel Technology Centre. The proposed project represents the second phase of this unique Olds College initiative. The project is designed to address local industry needs, eliminate capacity and knowledge gaps, and support both Federal policies (science and technology priorities and the associated renewable fuel content targets), and provincial policies (Alberta Nine-Point Bioenergy Plan). The project also builds upon CFI and Alberta Energy support exceeding $2.0 million. The critical gaps include: (1) a limited supply of biodiesel for institutional and commercial trials, (2) insufficient knowledge related to the feasibility of alternative non-edible feedstocks for biodiesel production (e.g. damaged or frozen canola and camelina), (3) insufficient knowledge and equipment related to optimal "technology packages" for establishing biodiesel and biofuel processing facilities, and (4) insufficient knowledge and equipment related to by-product optimization and commercialization. The project involves three major activities: (1) expanding the capacity of the BioFuel Technology Centre, (2) agronomic and processing trials of alternative non-edible oilseed feedstocks, and (3) the optimization of biodiesel processes, by-products and technology packages to enhance commercialization. The expected project outcomes include: (1) increased College and local industry capacity to address the expanding range of biodiesel and biofuel issues, (2) the development of an applied "biodiesel commercialization cluster" in Alberta, and (3) positive social, environmental and economic benefits that support sustainable rural development in Alberta. Olds College requests $2.3 million for this unique initiative that has proven industry support, momentum and relevance.