Canadian Airport and NextStep Renewable Energy sign MoU supporting biofuel

Edmonton International Airport (EIA) and NextStep Renewable Energy (NSRE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to bring low-carbon renewable fuels into the aviation and airport sectors. The pair hopes to create jobs, diversify the economy and encourage economic growth.

“We look forward to working with NSRE as we take the Edmonton Metro Region and Alberta forward in developing biofuels, lowering carbon emissions and generating jobs,” said Tom Ruth, President and CEO of Edmonton International Airport. “This work will support our goal of carbon-neutral growth by 2021 and help establish EIA as a global aviation leader and most importantly, drive research into new biofuel technologies and processes.”

The companies are attempting to address the void in supply for low-carbon fuels in Canada by building domestic and global relationships. They plan to aid growth in the Albertan low-carbon economy.

Bryce Bonneville, president of NextStep, said: “Our proposed Alberta based processing facility will provide security of supply and create Alberta jobs while using second generation, proven technology to produce high quality drop-in jet fuel and diesel fuel to help Alberta with its low carbon initiatives.”

NextStep Renewable Energy is a developer of hydrogenation derived renewable jet fuel and diesel facilities that use second generation technology. It utilises a combination of heat and hydrogen to convert non-food grade fats, oils and greases into a fuel that is chemically equivalent to petroleum-based diesel and jet fuel. The company says that its fuel offers better cold weather and storage properties than conventional bio-fuels.

Early in May, EIA participated in Air Canada’s biofuel demonstration flight.

As part of the MoU, NSRE becomes the newest member of the Alberta Aerospace and Technology Centre at EIA, which focuses on attracting and building a activity in aerospace and technology at EIA.