FUEL ETHANOL
Ethanol Takes the Spotlight in Year 2000
by Ellen Klupfel, Public Information Coordinator, Canadian Renewable Fuels Association

During the spring and summer months, the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association (CRFA) held a series of focus groups and workshops on renewable fuels across Canada. From British Columbia through to Quebec, the events provided information to give direction to the renewable fuels industry and awareness efforts, and offered an opportunity to enhance understanding and dispel myths.

The themes for the workshops were based on information needs defined by mechanics, fleet managers, teachers, consumers, auto dealers and small engine dealers. Members of the renewable fuels and agricultural industries played an important role in providing technical expertise and addressing discussion issues. The sessions were held as a part of the Biofuels Awareness Program, a joint effort of the CRFA and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, through the Agri-Food Trade 2000 program.

Interest, participation and awareness varied between communities. Most participants indicated that once they were aware of ethanol blends, as important, environmentally friendlier and available alternatives, they were more likely to use them and promote their use to others. Flex-fuelled vehicles were seen as an interesting option, with significant potential once more E-85 refueling stations are in place. Mechanics and auto dealers are regarded as key sources of information so it’s important that they be accurately informed about renewable fuels, and the energy sources’ effects on vehicles. The efforts of the agricultural community in raising awareness of rural issues and environmental practices are vital to the acceptance of renewable fuels. Consumers are looking to farmers for assurance that they themselves are using ethanol blends.

The Year 2000 will be eventful for the ethanol industry. In May, the Millennium Ethanol Vehicle Challenge (EVC) will help inform Canadians of the emissions-reduction and performance potential of renewable fuels from biomass. Plans for the EVC are well underway, with major events scheduled for Ottawa, Oshawa, Toronto, Chatham and Windsor. The University of Waterloo Alternative Fuels Team – the only Canadian team to have participated in the competition so far – is preparing its Chev Silverado with improvements from last year, and plans to showcase a new technology at the event. The International Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Trade Show (FEW) will be held in Windsor in June 2000, the first time in its 15-year history that it will take place outside the United States. The event provides the latest information on ethanol production technology, plant operations, feedstocks and market developments, and boasts the only industry trade show. The aim of the workshop is to improve process efficiencies, reduce costs and increase yields. For further information or to register, contact Bryan and Bryan Inc. at (719) 942-4353.

Ethanol continues to demonstrate that it has the potential to play a significant role in Canadian efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. The interests of renewable fuels are represented on several sub-groups of the transportation table and other activities that are part of the national strategy process before ratification of the Kyoto protocol.

CRFA continues updating its web site with news and information on renewable fuels. New resources are available at

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