Plan's Goal: Energy Self-Sufficiency By 2016

By 250 News

B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell says his government's BioEnergy Strategy lays the framework for meeting future energy demands by converting waste into clean energy.

The strategy is an ambitious one, with targets for electricity self-sufficiency by 2016, zero net greenhouse gas emissions from energy generation projects and increased use of biofuels in diesel and gasoline in B.C..

Campbell says, "There is an abundance of bioenergy opportunities, such as using biomass created out of the mountain pine beetle outbreak that can stimulate investment and economic diversification, while producing clean energy."

Part of the plan will see the government seek legislative approval for $25-million dollars in funding to establish a BioEnergy Network for greater investment in B.C. bioenergy projects and technologies.  Another $10-million will be sought over three years for biodiesel production.

Mines Minister Richard Neufeld says the biodiesel funding will bring new opportunities to rural communities.  "And we will develop one of Canada's most comprehensive provincial biomass inventories -- identifying waste-to-energy opportunities throughout B.C.."

Forests Minister Rich Coleman says the province contains half of the country's biomass electricity-generating capacity.  "This strategy helps forest-dependent communities and brings opportunities to the agriculture sector as it looks at recovering maximum value from beetle-killed timber, wood wastes and agricultural residues to generate renewable energy."

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