Alberta driving the future of innovative fuels

Press Release

Alberta is reviewing its Renewable Fuels Standard to reflect today’s technologies and markets, keeping fuel affordable and reliable while attracting investment.

Alberta’s government is seeking stakeholder input on ways the Renewable Fuels Standard could better consider current technologies, markets and fuel use to continue supporting innovation, investment and competitiveness. Feedback gathered through engagement will inform the government’s review of the standard, helping identify opportunities that would support low-carbon transportation fuels and an even more flexible, efficient system.

The Renewable Fuels Standard requires fuel suppliers to blend low-carbon fuels, including ethanol and biodiesel, into gasoline and diesel to reduce emissions. This creates economic opportunities and builds demand for Alberta-produced agricultural, forestry and waste feedstocks such as wheat and canola, which are turned into transportation fuels. Suppliers are already exceeding current minimum blending requirements, and new low-carbon fuel production technologies are available, creating a strong foundation to update the standard and drive continued progress.

“Technologies have evolved, markets have shifted and new opportunities have emerged since Alberta’s Renewable Fuels Standard was introduced in 2011. This engagement will help ensure the standard reflects the realities and needs of today, supporting low-carbon fuels, attracting investment and creating jobs while keeping fuels reliable and affordable for Albertans.”

Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas

The engagement process includes regulated parties, biofuels feedstock producers and processors, project developers, industry associations and Indigenous organizations.

“Our province’s agricultural producers are some of the most innovative in the country, and this opportunity to collaborate on where Alberta should focus its efforts will help build standards that will strengthen the industry. I look forward to seeing the conversations that come from this engagement.”

Tara Sawyer, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

Alberta is building on its leadership in low-carbon fuels by working with industry to ensure policies maintain pace with change and support future growth, keeping Alberta competitive and at the forefront of practical solutions.

Quick facts

The Renewable Fuel Standard is due for review by Jan. 1, 2027.
Feedback from engagement will help inform potential standard updates, with implementation tentatively targeted for Jan. 1, 2028.
Engagement will take place this summer through in-person and online workshops, a stakeholder survey and written submissions.
Alberta has the largest biodiesel and renewable diesel production capacity in Canada, with major facilities in Lloydminster and Strathcona County.

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