Canada’s most populous province has made a commitment to gradually increase the required ethanol content in gasoline to 15 percent by 2030.

Renewable Industries Canada (RICanada) welcomed the release of Ontario’s Environment Plan “Preserving and Protecting our Environment for Future Generations: A Made-In-Ontario Environment Plan” and the move to 15% ethanol in gasoline. RICanada estimates the province’s move to 15% ethanol blending will increase the annual economic impact of the locally produced biofuel by approximately $1.2 billion to a total of $3.7 billion.

Most of the ethanol produced in Ontario is made from corn grown in the southwestern part of the province. Over 90% of ethanol used in Ontario, or about 1.2 billion litres, is made in the province, supporting local jobs and farmers. Under the current 10% mandate, about 110 million bu of Ontario corn is used in ethanol production each year, accounting for almost one-third of total annual provincial production.

RICanada member companies worked with local farmers to pioneer Ontario’s ethanol industry. “For our ethanol company that is largely owned by Ontario farmers, these measures will have a direct and positive impact on our business by ensuring that there is a growing market for our made-in-Ontario product” said Kevin Norton, CEO-COO of IGPG Ethanol Inc.