The goal of the International Day of Clean Energy on January 26, 2025, is to inspire global action on renewable energy.
What you may not know, is the Canadian agricultural researchers from AAFC are at the forefront of bioenergy innovation, exploring sustainable solutions to replace fossil fuels.
In Saskatoon, Camelina is emerging as a promising biofuel crop. Dr. Christina Eynck highlights its resilience and high oil yield, making it an efficient and eco-friendly biofuel source. Camelina thrives on marginal lands and grows within 85 days, supporting large-scale biofuel production.
David Lee and his team at AAFC’s National AgroClimate Information Service are mapping Canada’s agricultural biomass. Using advanced tools like satellite imaging, they identify bioenergy sources such as crop residues. These maps help policymakers and industry leaders pinpoint biomass-rich regions while maintaining soil health.
In Quebec, Dr. Annick Bertrand’s research on sweet pearl millet and sorghum is revolutionizing ethanol production. These drought-resistant crops are low-maintenance and serve dual purposes, including cattle feed. By overcoming transportation and processing challenges, her team achieves ethanol yields of up to 750 litres per acre.
Canada’s agricultural innovations in bioenergy reflect the country’s commitment to a sustainable future, offering scalable solutions for global clean energy initiatives.