Canada invests $2.6M to create clean-burning fuel

This investment in Sustane Technologies will support the construction of a new demonstration facility in Chester, N.S., about 65 km southwest of Halifax. “Sustane’s first-of-its-kind technology converts waste into useful products like synthetic diesel and recycled metal and plastic, potentially eliminating the need for landfills,” said Leah Lawrence, president and chief executive officer of Sustainable Development Technology Canada.

At this facility, solid waste from landfills will be transformed into recyclable materials as well as high-value fuels that burn cleaner than fossil fuels. The emerging market for products converted from solid waste not only represents a new industry but will also result in less pollution and healthier communities.

“Landfilling society’s waste generates copious greenhouse gasses and fugitive leachates. It sequesters high-value urban land and is just plain wasteful; however, this is still the default solution worldwide. Sustane’s new recycling process recovers 90 per cent of landfilled materials and transforms them into valuable low carbon biofuels and recyclables,” said Peter Vinall, president of Sustane Technologies.

The announcement was made Wednesday by Bernadette Jordan, Member of Parliament for South Shore–St. Margarets, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

Fed govt funding for @sustane_tech to turn landfill waste into biomass #CdnInnovation

— Hon. Navdeep Bains (@MinisterISED) July 26, 2017

“By turning waste into clean-burning fuels and other high-value recyclable materials, Sustane is helping to make our communities cleaner and less polluted,” Jordan said. “This investment also has the potential to create well-paying middle-class jobs while equipping Nova Scotians with the skills they need for a fast-growing, globally competitive economy based on clean technology.”

We’re excited to help #Sustanetech turn trash into treasure in #ChesterNS! t.co/S9VIjW0vKO #cleantech @MinisterISED pic.twitter.com/jK1cCD0edy

— SDTC-TDDC (@SDTC_TDDC) July 26, 2017

This project is being funded through Sustainable Development Technology Canada, which works with Canadian companies to bring early-stage clean technologies to market.

“Our government’s investments in clean technology reflect our commitment to protecting the planet,” Minister Bains said. “But they also point to a clear and strategic direction for economic development through innovation.”

Investments in clean technology are part of the government’s Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to create well-paying jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it.