Green horizons Azure fuels prosperity in Portage la Prairie

By Vanessa Vredenburg

In an era where environmental consciousness and economic growth go hand-in-hand, Azure Sustainable Fuels Corp.’s (“Azure”) proposed renewable fuels production facility (the “Facility”) in Portage la Prairie marries both sustainability and economic prosperity. The proposed Facility signifies not only a crucial step toward a greener future, but also offers an array of economic benefits to the local community, making it a pivotal moment for the entire region.

The Facility Azure proposes to build and operate will produce a significant amount of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) which will contribute substantially to reducing carbon emissions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and the Canadian government’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Utilizing certified, in-use commercial technology, the Facility will convert non-fossil-based oils – primarily canola and soybean – into high-quality, eco-friendly, and sustainable alternative to traditional jet fuel. At full capacity, the Facility would produce approximately 1 billion litres of SAF per year. Azure is targeting initial SAF production in 2027.

The impact of the Facility on the local economy is profound. More than just a source of employment, it’s a catalyst for growth and learnings within the community. Azure is excited about the economic benefits it will bring to the region, Manitoba, and Canada as a whole. During the construction phase, Azure’s initiative is anticipated to generate approximately 1,500 employment opportunities. Once in operations, the Facility will create approximately 150 long-term jobs, including numerous high-skilled jobs, enhancing the province’s workforce and contributing to its prosperity. Azure’s commitment to investing in training programs ensures that the local workforce will acquire valuable skills, enhancing employability and fostering a culture of continuous learning.

The successful implementation of Azure’s Facility in Portage la Prairie hinges on collaborations among key stakeholders, including government bodies, industry leaders, key partners, local com munity members and local businesses. Azure anticipates that the surge in demand for goods and services related to the Facility’s operations will invigorate economic activity, offering diverse growth opportunities for businesses of all sizes. Moreover, the Facility’s feedstock requirements ensure a stable local market for agricultural products, such as canola and soybean, fostering stability and sustainability in the agricultural sector.

Azure is dedicated to building meaningful, long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with local businesses, Indigenous organizations, and community members in the vicinity of the Facility. Azure has participated in several community events, including the Portage Ag days on December 7, 2022, the Brandon Ag Days on January 17 -19, 2023, and the Azure Information Session on June 20, 2023. Azure participates in regular meetings with local businesses to identify areas of synergies and strategic business relationships. Azure continues to meet with local stakeholders and Indigenous organizations to share project information, gather feedback, and collaborate on ways to address project requirements.

Azure’s vision received a significant boost in June 2023, with a grant of $2.9 million from the Government of Manitoba and the Government of Canada through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, in support of the Front-End Engineering and Design (“FEED”) study, emphasizing their collective commitment and dedication to advancing the development and production of renewable fuels in Canada. This financial support validates Azure’s “Made-in-Canada” solution, utilizing local resources and expertise to reducing carbon emissions on a global scale.

In June 2023, Azure formally kicked off the FEED phase, which is expected to be concluded by end of 2024. At the conclusion of FEED, Azure will have a clear understanding of the scope and design of the Facility, as well as the estimated cost of construction, which will then lead to the Final Investment Decision (FID), where Azure will determine if a financial commitment meets economic thresholds.

Azure has completed the required environmental studies and assessments to support an Environmental Act Proposal (EAP) and is finalizing its EAP submission, which is on schedule to submit in fall 2023. The findings of the analysis conducted for the EAP concludes that with the application of proposed mitigation measures and follow-up plans, adverse residual environmental impacts resulting from the operations of the Facility are expected to be sufficiently mitigated, and that the Facility is anticipated to provide substantial benefit to the region.

Azure’s proposed Facility is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and community engagement.

“Our vision is not just about technology and innovation; it’s about people, community, and a sustainable future,” says Douglas Cole, CEO of Azure. “Together with the support of Portage la Prairie and its incredible workforce, we’re shaping a future where environmental consciousness and economic growth go together.”

As Portage la Prairie embraces this endeavor, it not only charts a course toward environmental sustainability but also paves the way for enduring economic growth and prosperity, and the promise of a brighter, greener future for Manitoba.

If you have any questions about the proposed Azure Facility, please contact Vanessa at info@azuresf.com or visit their website at www.azuresf.com.