CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - May 10, 2013) -
Editors Note: A photo for this release will be available via Marketwired on the picture wire of The Canadian Press.
The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and industry partners today announced a joint investment in a project that has the potential to revolutionize how industrial carbon emissions are managed.
The three-year project will use algae to recycle industrial carbon dioxide emissions into valuable products like biofuels. The Algal Carbon Conversion Pilot Project, a partnership among NRC, Canadian Natural Resources Limited (Canadian Natural) and Pond Biofuels, will result in the construction of a unique, $19 million facility in Alberta.
"The Government of Canada is investing in research that creates jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity, advancing knowledge into social and economic benefits for Canadians and the world," said the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology). "We are pleased to partner with Canadian businesses on an initiative that combines profitability and sustainability, and ultimately benefits the economy and the environment."
In the coming months, a demonstration-scale algal biorefinery will be established at Canadian Natural's Primrose South site, near Bonnyville, Alberta. This facility will recycle industrial emissions by using carbon dioxide to grow algal biomass, which will undergo further processing into products, such as biofuels, livestock feed and products to improve soil.
"Canadian Natural, one of the largest independent crude oil and natural gas producers in Canada, is very pleased to partner with the National Research Council and Pond Biofuels on a project that will lessen our carbon footprint," said Steve Laut, President of Canadian Natural. "We are continuously reviewing technologies that offer improved environmental performance in our operations."
The ultimate goal of the project is to test the viability and feasibility of such a facility. If proven successful, it can then be used as a model for recycling industrial emissions across industries in Canada and the world.
"As a rapidly growing Canadian company, Pond Biofuels is very excited to partner with the National Research Council of Canada and Canadian Natural on this project in the Canadian Oil Sands," said Steven Martin, Chief Executive Officer of Pond Biofuels. "This partnership, along with our current work with the cement and steel industrial sectors to implement algae technology is an enormous step forward and establishes Canada as the world leader in the field of carbon capture and recycling."
On May 7 th , Minister of State Goodyear, along with NRC President John R. McDougall, announced the refocused NRC and outlined how its new structure will be more beneficial to business. The National Research Council will work with industry to bridge technology gaps, helping build a more innovative Canadian economy. The Algal Carbon Conversion project is an example of the kind of research and technology development that NRC will pursue in order to benefit industry and contribute to a stronger and more prosperous Canada.
The National Research Council of Canada is a research and technology organization focused on real-world applications and on the needs of Canadian business, contributing to a stronger and more prosperous Canada. NRC provides Canadian industry with access to the strategic research and development, technical services and specialized scientific infrastructure it needs to excel on the global stage.
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