Alberta begins allocating funds to spur bio-energy development

Calgary (Platts)--12Apr2007

The Canadian province of Alberta said Thursday it will provide funding to
14 renewable energy projects meant to support the development and expansion of
bio-energy facilities and technology.

The recipients will, in the first phase of funding, receive a total of
C$5 million (US$4.27 million), a government statement said. The grant is part
of Alberta's so-called "Nine-Point Bio-Energy Plan," which helps "support the
integration of bio-fuels, bio-diesel and biomass generated power with
Alberta's traditional energy sources," the statement said.

In 2006, Alberta committed C$239 million over the next five years, "to
help build a viable market for bio-energy in the province and encourage
further private investment," said the statement.

--Esa Ramasamy, esa_ramasamy@platts.com