Alberta funding 31 bioenergy companies

According to a government news release, a third-party adviser and other stakeholders are advising government on new policy options to build on the expired Bioenergy Producers Credit Program. A report is expected by the end of March.

The grants have been given to producers of biofuels, electricity, heat or wood pellets, and are based on how much bioenergy each company generates. Three of the recipients getting funding have projects under construction, representing $200 million in new investment for the province.

“We are excited to hear that bioenergy’s role in the fight against climate change is recognized,” Stefan Michalski, Director of Operations, Lethbridge Biogas LP, said in a news release. “This money is important to support biogas facilities like ours and to keep Albertans working as we build a self-sustainable, lower-carbon future.”

The funding is part of the province’s $60-million Bioenergy Producer Program.

“Bioenergy producers are job creators and technology innovators. The Alberta government is committed to supporting them, their employees and local economies as we diversify our energy sector, boost our economy and reduce emissions in Alberta,” Environment minister Shannon Phillips said in the release.

Alberta’s bioenergy industry powers the equivalent of 200,000 homes and contributes about $800 million to Alberta’s economy.