Biodiesel Production in Canada

Biodiesel development in Canada is in early stages of development and commercialization compared to Europe and the United States. Current biodiesel production and utilization has targeted the transportation sector (fleet and public transit).

Considering the forecasted consumption of diesel fuel in 2010, a 2% renewable content in diesel fuel nationally would require the production of 1.5 billion litres of biodiesel (Canola Council of Canada). This would require about one-fifth of Canada's projected canola production in 2010.

Canada will take advantage of a variety of feedstocks including soybean, canola, waste greases and animal fats. The Canadian rendering industry produces about 400,000 tonnes of animal and yellow grease annually for the oleochemical and animal feed industry. In addition, Canada is the world's largest exporter of canola with ideal growing conditions in Western Canada.

To date, Alberta does not have a biodiesel production facility. Current consumption in Alberta of petroleum diesel is 5.1 billion litres annually and a B5 target (5% biodiesel blend) for on road transportation would require approximately 255 million litres of biodiesel.