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EDMONTON — Alberta is reviewing its Renewable Fuels Standard as the province seeks to modernize regulations governing low-carbon transportation fuels while maintaining fuel affordability and attracting new investment.
The provincial government announced Friday it is launching consultations with industry, Indigenous organizations and other stakeholders to gather feedback on potential changes to the standard, which has been in place since 2011.
The Renewable Fuels Standard requires fuel suppliers to blend low-carbon fuels, including ethanol and biodiesel, into gasoline and diesel to reduce emissions.
According to the province, fuel suppliers are already exceeding minimum blending requirements and advances in low-carbon fuel technologies have created opportunities to update the system.
Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter said Alberta’s fuel market has changed significantly since the standard was first introduced.
“Technologies have evolved, markets have shifted and new opportunities have emerged since Alberta’s Renewable Fuels Standard was introduced in 2011,” Hunter said in a statement.
“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.”
The province says the standard supports demand for Alberta agricultural, forestry and waste-based feedstocks, including crops such as wheat and canola, which can be processed into transportation fuels.
Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Tara Sawyer said Alberta producers are well-positioned to benefit from continued growth in the renewable fuels sector.
“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,” Sawyer said.
The review will include consultations with regulated fuel suppliers, feedstock producers, biofuel processors, project developers, industry associations and Indigenous organizations.
The province says feedback gathered during the process will help shape potential updates to the standard, with implementation tentatively targeted for Jan. 1, 2028.
The Renewable Fuels Standard is required to undergo a formal review before Jan. 1, 2027.
Consultations will take place throughout the summer and include in-person and online workshops, stakeholder surveys and written submissions.
According to the province, Alberta currently has the largest biodiesel and renewable diesel production capacity in Canada, including major facilities in Lloydminster and Strathcona County.
The government says the review is intended to ensure Alberta remains competitive while supporting innovation and future growth in low-carbon fuel production.
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