The construction of Canada’s first renewable diesel refinery has been completed in British Columbia. The plant is first of its kind in the country. Among the dignitaries in Prince George celebrating the $380 million Tidewater Renewables project’s completion was Premier David Eby. According to a government release, the process involves combining feedstocks including tallow and canola with transportation fuels to lower carbon intensity.
Significance of renewable diesel refinery
According to Rob Colcleugh the Tidewater, CEO, the plant would produce renewable diesel, which will reduce carbon emissions by 80 to 90 percent when compared to fossil fuel diesel. Eby claims that the province’s low-carbon fuel credits covered more than 40% of the project’s cost. These credits are provided to companies that use more fuels like hydrogen, energy, renewable gas, and diesel.
Renewable diesel, is a biomass-based fuel and shares the similar chemical composition as fossil oil. Transportation for this fuel can be directly through existing petroleum pipelines or sold at retail stations without requiring any infrastructure changes. One can produce fuel from diverse sources, including vegetable oil, waste cooking oil, animal fats, and algae. As a result, Prince George is on the verge of transforming into a hub for renewable energy. Thus, Prince George City is poised to become an important place for renewable diesel refineries.
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Renewable energy plans for Prince George City
The selection of the city was based on its strategic position, connecting two major highways. That is the CN Rail line, the ports of Prince Rupert and Vancouver, and an international airport. According to officials, the facility will be fully operational “soon”. The facility will be able to generate renewable hydrogen and more than 3,000 barrels of low-carbon gasoline each day.
An agreement was made earlier this year between the province and the city of Prince George to set up a “regional hydrogen hub” for central B.C. Under the agreement, the province will collaborate with the city to recognize funding opportunities, carry out case studies, and publicize the work being done on renewable diesel in Prince George through the Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation.
