British Columbia to achieve energy self-sufficiency, zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2016

In Canada, the province of British Columbia unveiled an ambitious plan to achieve energy self-sufficiency and zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2016. The province outlined plans to spend $25 million on a BioEnergy Network to spur biofuels investment, a well as $10 million to stimulate biodiesel production., The province plans to use timber killed by the mountain pine beetle, waste wood, and agricultural residue as feedstocks.

The Canadian federal government pledged recently to invest $1.5 million in research for biofuel production potential in British Columbia. The study will focus on ethanol production from spring wheat, flax, barley and peas. 20 percent of the funds will be used for a business plan for a biodiesel plant.

Last month in a similar move,, the Canadian federal government pledged $5.05 million in support for the North West Terminal ethanol plant. The funds come from the ecoAgriculture Biofuels Capital Initiative, announced last year by the federal government.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan have recently launched biofuels initiatives at the provincial level. Manitoba’s energy loans program provides a maximum of $1.05 million with up to 25-year terms, administered by the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation.

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