The Canada and Manitoba governments are providing $2.9m over two years to support Azure Sustainable Fuels Corp.’s Front End Engineering Design (FEED) study for a planned sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) processing facility near Portage la Prairie, according to a press release.
The facility’s construction is anticipated to cost approximately $1.9bn and to produce an estimated one billion liters per year of SAF, primarily using Canadian feedstock products such as canola and soybean oils. With Canada’s and Manitoba’s support, the Azure project will create 1,500 construction jobs and approximately 150 direct permanent, highly specialized jobs once in production. The construction of the Azure facility is projected to have a total impact on the Manitoba economy of $2bn. The first year of operations is expected to create more than $500 million in economic output and sustain hundreds of jobs throughout Manitoba.
Through the use of the SAF process for the Azure facility, approximately 2.6 million tonnes of CO2 emissions will be reduced on an annual basis, equalling the emissions of 556,749 passenger vehicles. Manitoba’s sustainable farming practices, with continued advancements, create further opportunities for increased environmental benefits. This will have a significant global impact on the aviation industry and decarbonization goals, the premier noted.
The feedstock demands of the fuel manufacturing facility will create a secure, local market for Manitoba farmers and oilseed producers and an opportunity to advance ongoing efforts to further Manitoba’s world-class sustainable farming practices, the release says.
Azure is working closely with stakeholders, including Indigenous communities and the Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie, to adhere to and respect all environmental regulations and requirements, according to the release.
