The Green Aviation Research and Development Network (GARDN), SkyNRG, Waterfall Group and Vancouver Airport Authority have launched BioPortYVR, a project to increase the supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Canada.
The project will support provincial and federal government climate action commitments and is an important step towards the introduction of SAF across the country. Although SAF is not currently widely available in Canada, demand is continuing to grow as the airline industry looks to reduce its carbon footprint.
The first phase of the project includes a comprehensive feasibility study designed to assess the implementation of an integrated SAF supply chain in British Columbia, Canada. The study, which is due to be finished in March 2020, was commissioned by GARDN.
The BioPortYVR project will consider and evaluate the viability of implementing regional supply chains to distribute SAF to airlines operating at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and surrounding airports, through demand centres known as BioPorts.
Over the next few months, the project partners will work with industry, government and other stakeholders to develop a series of actionable recommendations to introduce SAF at YVR.
“Since 2009, GARDN has funded more than 35 collaborative projects – including projects on sustainable aviation fuels – that have led to groundbreaking innovations all along the supply chain, reducing the environmental impact of Canada’s aerospace industry,” commented Kateryna Derkach, director of strategy and sustainability at GARDN. “We are proud to commission the BioPortYVR project and work with industry-leading partners to assess the future of locally produced SAF in Canada and shape a more sustainable air transportation industry.”
Misha Valk, head of future fuels at SkyNRG, added: “We are proud to be a part of BioPortYVR and to help advance the use of SAF in Canada together with such strong partners. Building new industries is all about partnering with the right people and organisations. For us, this is an important milestone in growing the market for sustainable aviation fuel and in ensuring a sustainable future for commercial aviation.”
Waterfall Group partner Fred Ghatala noted: “Our firm is focused on creating the conditions for economically viable production and use of renewable fuels in Canada. This partnership and BioPortYVR is an important evolution of our work in the aviation sector.”
“We pride ourselves on being a leader in sustainability and are thrilled to be at the forefront of exploring SAF in Canada alongside GARDN, SkyNRG and Waterfall Group,” concluded Marion Town, director of environment at Vancouver Airport Authority. “As Canada’s second busiest airport, we look forward to contributing to real and visible actions that have the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions from air travel.”
