On Oct. 9, less than four months after opening its state-of-the-art biodiesel plant in Welland, Ontario, Atlantic Biodiesel celebrated the “first pour” of its high-quality biodiesel suitable for cold-weather applications.

“Atlantic Biodiesel’s first pour represents the collaboration, commitment and hard work that drives Canada's biofuels industry,” said Jim Grey, chairman of the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association. “The industry produces well over 2 billion liters (528.3 million gallons) of fuel a year, generates gross economic benefits of nearly $4 billion dollars and has delivered more than 14,000 direct and indirect jobs in Canada since 2007. Atlantic Biodiesel’s work has come to fruition, and brought approximately 25 direct jobs and significant indirect business to the Welland area.”

Atlantic Biodiesel’s facility is one of the largest in North America and produces 45 million gallons of renewable, clean-burning biodiesel and nearly 4 million gallons of high-grade glycerin per year.

The contributions of the renewable fuels industry are recognized by governments and various political parties. Alongside Atlantic Biodiesel’s ‘first pour’ event, NDP candidate and incumbent for Niagara Centre and NDP Critic for Agriculture, Malcolm Allen, announced that he and his party are committed to pushing for an increase in the national biodiesel mandate from where it currently sits at 2 percent: “Investing in renewables is a good idea and this is something governments should turn their focus to. Companies like Atlantic Biodiesel are creating the type of manufacturing jobs Niagara needs.”

As part of its action plan, CRFA supports increasing the federal renewable diesel mandate to ensure a 5 percent inclusion rate by 2020. There are no technical barriers to this increase, and it would produce environmental benefits and encourage greater investment in Canada.

“I applaud Atlantic Biodiesel’s leadership team for their long-term commitment to biofuels and to local and national economic prosperity,” said Grey. “Their support of local business, agriculture, and their significant contribution to provincial and national greenhouse gas reduction targets, are the pillars that keep our industry and country strong.”