Biofuels 'a growing industry in Canada'

Biofuels are becoming an increasingly important part of the Canadian economy, a new study has suggested.

The survey, commissioned by the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association, noted sustainable fuels derived from alcohol, fat and plant oils currently generate $2.2 billion (£1.5 billion) in the country, the Toronto Sun reports.

President of the organisation Gordon Quaiattini said: "We thought this was the right time to sort of tell the story of what we've accomplished, given that September is just around the corner."

According to the survey, the 28 ethanol and biodiesel plants currently operating or being built sustain 14,000 jobs, while a further 1,000 highly skilled full-time placements are maintained in each facility every year.

Rick Clayton, who led the study, said the sector is having a very large and positive impact on the nation.

Biofuels offer an excellent way of reducing carbon emissions and reaching energy-efficiency targets, Caroline Bedell of the Country Land & Business Association recently told the Evesham Journal.