Lessons from Canada: Designing a Low Carbon Fuel Standard
As Australia considers its own demand mechanism for low carbon fuels, Canada offers one of the most instructive real-world case studies available.
Join Bioenergy Australia for a webinar with two of Canada’s leading voices on low carbon fuel policy, Fred Ghatala (President) and Ian Thomson (Past and Founding President) of the Advanced Biofuels Canada Association (ABFC).
ABFC was a primary advocate in shaping the federal Clean Fuel Regulations (2023) and British Columbia’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (2013). Their work was also instrumental in securing the first aviation low carbon fuels standard in the Americas (British Columbia, 2024). Over 90% of Canada’s motive fuel consumption is covered by provincial biofuel regulations, all of which predated the overarching federal policy.
Drawing on their ongoing regulatory and compliance role, Fred and Ian will share practical insights into the design choices made at federal and provincial level and how these have played out in practice. They will also speak to the implications across the value chain for an effective, resilient Australian standard.
This webinar will cover:
Lessons learned. What Canada’s experience at federal and provincial level has shown in practice. Topics include consultation, certification and verification, reporting and compliance, and how federal and provincial layers interact.
Essential policy elements. Which design features are non-negotiable and which are matters of choice. Topics include scope and coverage, obligated parties, compliance options, stringency and schedule, sustainability criteria, assessing costs and implications for sectors including aviation and marine.
Reviews without uncertainty. How to build review mechanisms into legislation so the policy can adapt without creating uncertainty. Topics include role of reviews and offramps.
The session will close with a moderated discussion and audience Q&A.
Speakers
Fred Ghatala, President of Advanced Biofuels Canada
Ian Thomson, Past & Founding President of Advanced Biofuels Canada
Who should attend
Fuel producers and suppliers, airlines and airports, marine and heavy transport operators, investors and financiers, government and policy officers, and certification and sustainability professionals.
This event is open to everyone and free to attend, you do not need to be a member of Bioenergy Australia to join. Once registered your Zoom webinar link for this event will be located in the registration confirmation email from Bioenergy Australia. The session will be recorded and made available to registrants following the event.
