Introduction:

This is a debut article in our series dedicated to addressing questions and concerns surrounding the Clean Fuel Regulations (CFR). Throughout this series, our goal is to provide clear descriptions with powerful insight so that readers can feel more comfortable and informed about the topic of these regulatory frameworks. 

What are Clean Fuel Regulations (CFRs)?

The Clean Fuel Regulations are essential guidelines for Canada’s climate goals, aiming to reduce emissions by accelerating and promoting the use of clean fuels and technologies. While helping to achieve the unanimous goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, it will also boost job opportunities by creating a resilient economy across diverse sectors including clean technology, agriculture and low-carbon energy sectors, such as biofuels and hydrogen. 

Why do we need CFRs?

As the world becomes environmentally conscious, such regulations as the CFR become essential to reach our net zero potential while keeping our environment clean and healthy. These regulations would not only lessen the reliance on gasoline and diesel but also create a need for affordable alternative clean fuels. The regulations are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 26 million tonnes (Mt) in 2030. In perspective, this is like taking out around two weeks’ worth of greenhouse gas emissions from Canada’s economy!

How does CFR work?

The Clean Fuel Regulations adopt a holistic approach, considering emissions at every stage of fuel production and utilization, spanning from extraction to end-use. The CFR requires liquid fossil fuel primary suppliers (i.e. producers and importers) to gradually reduce the Carbon Intensity of the gasoline and diesel that they produce and sell for use in Canada. To meet this standard, fuel producers must innovate, offering creative solutions. By establishing a credit market, the Clean Fuel Regulations encourage innovation while minimizing costs, signalling a demand for low-carbon intensity fuels and technologies. Utilizing the Government of Canada’s Fuel Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Model, the regulations aim to spur the adoption of clean technologies and increase the utilization of low-carbon intensity fuels across various sectors.

What are CFR Credits?

Within the framework of the Regulations, a credit market is established, with each credit denoting a reduction of one tonne of CO2e throughout its lifecycle. Throughout each compliance period, typically aligned with a calendar year, primary suppliers showcase adherence to their reduction obligations. This involves either generating credits internally or procuring them from fellow creators. The acquired credits are used to meet the required emissions reduction targets, indicating a careful balancing of efforts to reduce emissions.

How are Compliance credits categorized?

• Compliance Category 1: Undertaking projects that reduce the lifecycle carbon intensity of liquid fossil fuels (e.g., carbon capture and storage, on-site renewable electricity, co-processing);
• Compliance Category 2: Supplying low carbon intensity fuels (e.g., ethanol, biodiesel); and
• Compliance Category 3: Supplying fuel or energy to advanced vehicle technology (e.g., electricity or hydrogen in vehicles).

What fuels generate CFR Credits?

Credits are generated by supplying low-carbon fuel per its quantity and carbon intensity. Various activities generate credits, such as:

• reducing the carbon intensity of fossil fuels across their lifecycle 
• supplying low-carbon fuels or energy like biodiesel or ethanol 
• providing low-carbon hydrogen directly 
• facilitating electric vehicle charging 
• fueling with biogas and RNG

Where does Anessa fit in all of this? 

As the demand for clean fuels like biogas grows under Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulations, Anessa’s innovative solutions become increasingly valuable. As more biogas plants are built, Anessa’s technology will empower stakeholders across the biogas industry to make informed design choices. In the era of reduced carbon emissions, companies in the waste-to-energy space are poised for expansion into emerging markets, seizing newfound opportunities for growth and innovation.