Potential Supplies of Fuel-Grade Canola Oil for Low-Carbon Fuel Production in Alberta, Canada: GIS Analysis Using an Improved Service-Area Approach

Our study investigates prospects for a fuel-grade canola oil supply chain that prioritizes the use of non-No. 1 Canola as biofuel feedstock. Using low-grade to produce biofuels can reduce feedstock costs and offer opportunity utilize existing petroleum infrastructure transport store oil, thereby reducing capital biorefinery investments. We conducted township-level GIS analysis assess availability seed in Alberta identify potential crushing sites based on amount annually accessible Canola. an improved service-area approach, we three crushers, all which had sufficient produce, average, over 65 thousand tonnes per year (from 2016 2019). Northwestern appears be especially suitable plant, since it has highest average amounts seed, there are no food-grade crushers compete with. Results further show spatial temporal variation harvests impacts how much non-No.1 is available could therefore influence investment decisions where locate plants. New plants also stimulate regional development boost incomes local producers. relevant policy business related