Alberta earmarks funds for bioenergy producers

The government announced a new Bioenergy Producer Program (BPP) yesterday that earmarks $60 million in funding over 18 months, retroactive to April 1, 2016, for bioenergy producers focused on reducing greenhouse emissions.

A total of $40 million will be allocated between April 1, 2016 and March 31, 2017 and the final $20 million will be allocated between April 1, 2017 and Sept. 31, 2017.

The funding will be available to producers in all bioenergy sectors that were eligible under the old program, which includes biomass combustion, biogas electricity and heat, biofuels and wood pellets. Eligible companies must have produced bioenergy since April 1, 2016.

“Alberta’s policy and economic landscapes are very different today than they were nine years ago,” Alberta’s Environment Minister Shannon Phillips said. “Support for the bioenergy industry needs to reflect those changes. This temporary funding will help producers as we work with them to build a sustainable bioenergy industry that will help advance implementation of the Climate Leadership Plan.”

Under the old program that launched in 2007, funding was available to bioenergy producers with the goal of creating a self-sustainable bioenergy industry in Alberta. Since that goal was not met, the government commissioned a third party to develop a new, long-term program.

Chris Perry, president GrowTEC, applauded the interim funding in a government news release, calling it a positive step for small biogas operators.

“We look forward to working with the government to continue to take advantage of the province’s renewable bioenergy opportunities,” Perry said.

Funding applications are being accepted from Oct. 31 to Nov. 18. Learn more.