Report - Ethanol's Potential Contribution to Canada's Transportation Sector

This report was commissioned by the independent research organisation, the Conference Board of Canada?. It examines four questions regarding ethanol in Canada. It also examines policy objectives that underpin government support of the ethanol industry.

Executive Summary

The report investigates four questions regarding ethanol in Canada:

• What are the economic impacts of manufacturing and using ethanol in Canada?
• How green is ethanol?
• What is the impact of ethanol on Canadian public health?
• What is the energy balance in producing ethanol?

In addition, the report examines the policy objectives that underpin government support of the ethanol industry, comparing key elements to other nations.

Findings

Some of its findings are that ethanol is a clean transportation fuel that has a positive energy balance, reduces GHG emissions, and contributes to energy self-sufficiency. It contributes to reducing Canada’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by comparison to gasoline by between 40%-62%, depending on agricultural practices and production technologies. Next-generation technologies, high-blend infrastructure, flex-fuel vehicles, and supporting policies could extend the role ethanol plays in Canada’s transportation markets.

Links

The Conference Board of Canada

A PDF of Ethanol's Potential Contribution to Canada's Transportation Sector