Research that turns vegetable oil and animal fat into high-value fuel, chemicals and solvents has received a financial boost from the federal government.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have spent the past nine years creating a lipid-to-hydrocarbon technology that turns agricultural waste into valuable fuel.
The $970,000 from Western Economic Diversification Canada will help establish a pilot plant at the university’s Agri-Food Discovery Place to help test, demonstrate and commercialize the technology.
It is considered highly marketable because of its ability to convert agricultural materials now treated as waste into high value products. These byproducts can then be used to enhance commercial applications such as jet fuel, gasoline, diesel fuel, specialty solvents for canola oil extraction facilities and specialized chemicals used in oil and gas drilling operations.
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“Research in the area of bioproducts is a strength and a priority at the University of Alberta,” said Lorne Babiuk, vice-president of research.
“To see the innovative research that led to the discovery of lipid-to-hydrocarbon technology now move further along the path towards full commercialization backed by the strong support of the federal government is exciting for the University of Alberta. Given the important environmental and economic implications of the technology, this is an excellent example of how partnerships between sectors can improve life for all Canadians.”
The Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency grant is also providing funding for the research.
