OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 10/29/12 -- Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) congratulates Agrisoma and its partners on achieving today's historic flight of the first civil jet powered by 100 percent biofuel, which was developed through SDTC funding.
The biofuel used in today's flight over Ottawa was developed using a unique Canadian oilseed crop developed with $2.5 million in Government of Canada funding through SDTC.
While several demonstration flights in the past year have taken place using a mix of biofuel and fossil fuels, this is the first flight to use 100 percent biofuel from a commercial, sustainable oilseed crop.
"Thanks to the support of SDTC, and along with partners ARA and CLG, Agrisoma Biosciences was able to advance the commercialization of the Carinata crop that produced the biofuel, which was used in the jet flown over our nation's capital today," said Steven Fabijanksi, President and CEO of Agrisoma Biosciences. "As Canada's leader in the development of materials to displace petroleum for fuels and manufacturing, Agrisoma Biosciences is proud of our contribution to today's development in Canada's aerospace industry."
Agrisoma Biosciences used the SDTC funding to develop new crop technology called Engineered Trait Loci (ETL), to identify and combine specific traits in seed crop to maximize the yield of oils.
"This is a world-first and a major step forward for global green aviation," said Vicky Sharpe, President and CEO of SDTC. "This is another excellent example of how Government of Canada investments in Canadian clean technology research creates commercially viable, leading-edge sustainable solutions."
About SDTC:
On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) helps commercialize Canadian clean technologies, readying them for growth and export markets. With a portfolio of companies under management valued at more than $2B, SDTC is demonstrating that cleantech is a driver of jobs, productivity and economic prosperity. SDTC operates two funds aimed at the development and demonstration of innovative technological solutions. The $590 million SD Tech Fund™ supports projects that address climate change, air quality, clean water, and clean soil. The $500 million NextGen Biofuels Fund™ supports the establishment of first-of-kind large demonstration-scale facilities for the production of next-generation renewable fuels.
Contacts:
Patrice Breton
Director of Communications, SDTC
(613) 234-6313 x295
media@sdtc.ca