Air Canada Purchases Low-Carbon Aviation Fuel from Parkland Refinery in British Columbia
Key Ideas
  • Parkland's Burnaby refinery in British Columbia has produced 100,000 litres of low-carbon aviation fuel from non-food grade canola and tallow, with Air Canada purchasing the entire batch.
  • This achievement marks the first domestic production of low-carbon fuel in Canada, reducing carbon emissions by blending it with standard fuel, although the industry is still in its infancy.
  • While the production cost is higher than conventional jet fuels, there is a call for a long-term plan and government support to sustain local production and reduce dependence on international imports.
  • The move towards low-carbon air travel faces challenges, but the completion of a value chain by Parkland and Air Canada demonstrates the potential for a made-in-Canada solution with the right support.
Parkland's Burnaby refinery in British Columbia has successfully produced 100,000 litres of low-carbon aviation fuel made from non-food grade canola and tallow. Air Canada has purchased this batch, marking a significant step as the first domestic production of low-carbon fuel in Canada. The fuel, blended with standard fuel, aims to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation industry. While the amount produced is small compared to overall fuel consumption, it signifies a crucial beginning to a sustainable solution. The production cost for low-carbon fuel is higher, emphasizing the need for a long-term plan and governmental support to ensure sustained production and reduce reliance on international imports. The aviation industry, including Airbus, acknowledges the potential for emission reduction through low-carbon jet fuel, although production is still limited. Challenges exist in decarbonizing the aviation sector, with alternatives like electric or hydrogen power seen as distant possibilities, making low-carbon fuel a more viable option. The completion of the value chain by Parkland and Air Canada showcases the potential for a local industry for low-carbon jet fuel, emphasizing the importance of government backing for a successful transition towards sustainable air travel.
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