Grant: College and Community Innovation Program

Energy is an increasing global, national and regional concern. In May 2007, Olds College responded by addingbiofuel to its bio-industry research program and with significant industry support, opened the BioFuelTechnology 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 supportboth Federal policies (science and technology priorities and the associated renewable fuel content targets), andprovincial policies (Alberta Nine-Point Bioenergy Plan). The project also builds upon CFI and Alberta Energysupport exceeding $2.0 million. The critical gaps include: (1) a limited supply of biodiesel for institutional andcommercial trials, (2) insufficient knowledge related to the feasibility of alternative non-edible feedstocks forbiodiesel production (e.g. damaged or frozen canola and camelina), (3) insufficient knowledge and equipmentrelated 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 projectinvolves three major activities: (1) expanding the capacity of the BioFuel Technology Centre, (2) agronomicand processing trials of alternative non-edible oilseed feedstocks, and (3) the optimization of biodieselprocesses, by-products and technology packages to enhance commercialization. The expected project outcomesinclude: (1) increased College and local industry capacity to address the expanding range of biodiesel andbiofuel 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 andrelevance.