A joint project between the National Research Council of Canada
(NRC) and industry partners could result in technology to grow
algae to be made into several items, including biodiesel, in the
heart of the Canadian petroleum industry: oil sands facilities.
The Algal Carbon Conversion Pilot Project, a partnership among
the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), Canadian Natural
Resources Limited (Canadian Natural) and Pond Biofuels, will
result in the construction of a unique, $19 million facility in
Alberta. “This discovery has tremendous potential to benefit our
environment and our economy, and further establish Canada as a
leader in managing CO2 emissions,” said the Honourable Gary
Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology). “What the
results of this project could mean for the future of the oil
sands and Canadian businesses makes this a significant day for
Canada.” In the coming months, a demonstration-scale algal
biorefinery will be established at Canadian Natural’s Primrose
South oil sands si