The announcement was made by Manitoba’s Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Minister Ron Kostyshyn. The new funding will be directed to applied research projects that address gaps or identify opportunities for business and technology development in the biomass sector. Priority will be given to projects with short turnaround times that support Manitoba’s coal-reduction strategy and project results will be shared with producers, processors and other stakeholders.
“Manitoba’s green economy creates new opportunities for biofuel manufacturers and additional markets for producers” said Minister Kostyshyn. “Research and development is needed to build capacity across the province and address any gaps in our biomass sector. Through this strategic investment, we can support even more Manitoba farms and businesses as they invest in a more sustainable future.”
The existing $500,000 grant programme will remain available for capital upgrade projects. Provincial funding can be used for up to half the cost of projects that help convert heating systems from coal to biomass or expand biomass manufacturing operations, to a maximum of $50,000.
Biomass fuels eligible for the grants include agricultural residue, forestry residues and biomass crops. Since the programmeme started in 2012, the Manitoba government has directed over $1.1 million to 38 projects, resulting in a reduction in the amount of coal used in the province by over 7,000 tonnes and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 10,000 tonnes annually.
Applications for research and capital upgrade grants through the Biomass Energy Support Programme are being accepted until 1st September 2014.
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