Government Project Samples
These are examples of work that we have completed for government agencies:
Analysis of the Logistical Costs Associated with Second Generation Biofuel Feedstocks
Client(s):
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Ref.# 3000333060)
Partner(s):
EcoRessources Consultants
Needs:
Analysis of the logistical costs of harvesting, storing and transporting large amounts of agricultural biomass from the point of harvest to the gate of a second generation biofuel plant.
Services Provided:
Agronovita assisted with the project literature review and supervised the development of an economic model for the supply of agricultural biomass to second-generation biofuel facilities.
Results:
Distinct economic models were developed for Eastern and Western Canada. The plant gate costs of cereal straw, corn stover and perennial grasses (switchgrass) were evaluated.
The report publicly available at http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1247181726624&lang=eng.
Cost-benefit Analysis of the Proposed Regulations to Require Renewable Fuel Content in Canadian Fuels
Client(s):
Environment Canada (Ref.# K2A15-08-0044)
Partner(s):
EcoRessources Consultants and Sine Nomine Group
Needs:
Cost-benefit analysis related to the adoption of proposed Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA, 1999). Specifically, the cost-benefit to require an average of 5% renewable fuels content in the Canadian gasoline pool and 2% in diesel and heating oil.
Services Provided:
Agronovita assisted with the project literature review and provided technical advisory services to the cost-benefit analysis, particularly pertaining to the ethanol industry.
Economics and Carbon Offset Potential of Biomass Fuels
Client(s):
Natural Resources Canada (Ref.# 23341-6-2010/001/SQ)
Needs:
Assessment of the costs associated with the use of switchgrass and short-rotation forestry plantations as part of a carbon offset strategy for the energy sector.
Services Provided:
Agronovita’s Patrick Girouard was a research associate and project manager for components of this multi-year project aimed at establishing and assessing the first quasi-commercial size plots of switchgrass and short-rotation willows in Eastern Canada.
Results:
In addition to agronomic assessments, the project provided the first set of production costs in Eastern Canada and explored several potential markets for those two new crops, including power generation, cellulosic ethanol, heating of residential, commercial and industrial buildings, and pulp and paper manufacturing. Soil carbon sequestration and carbon budgets associated with these crops were estimated.
The report is publicly available and can be downloaded at http://www.reap-canada.com/online_library/ghg_offsets_policy/Economics%20and%20Carbon%20Offset%20Potential%20of%20Biomass%20Fuels%20%20(Girouard%20et%20al.,%201999.pdf
Emerging Biomass Pellet Environmental and Economic Assessment
Client(s):
Environment Canada (Ref. # K2A80-09-0001)
Partner(s):
EcoRessources Consultants
Needs:
Socio-Economic Analysis of the Canadian Residential Wood Heating Sector
Client(s):
Environment Canada (Ref.# K4C21-08-0753)
Partner(s):
EcoRessources Consultants
Needs:
Socio-economic analysis of the Canadian residential wood heating appliance industrial sector, encompassing manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers.
Services Provided:
Agronovita managed a socio-economic study that encompassed a comprehensive review of industry stakeholders; financial profiles; and an analysis of manufacturing, imports, exports and sales of residential wood heating appliances.
Results:
The report identified key industry trends and players and discussed Canadian industry readiness and possible implications of a transition towards appliance certification legislation (EPA, CSA, etc.) for manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers.
Strategies for Reducing the Economic Impacts of Animal Health and Phytosanitary Crises on Agricultural Businesses
Client(s):
Quebec Agricultural Adaptation Council (CDAQ) and 7 other Provincial Agricultural Adaptation Councils (multi-provincial project)
Partner(s):
EcoRessources Consultants and GoSecure
Needs:
Strategies for reducing the economic impacts of animal health or phytosanitary crises on agricultural businesses, with a focus on the 2006 outbreak of potato cyst nematodes in Saint-Amable, Quebec.
Services Provided:
Agronovita assisted with the project literature review, provided technical advisory services and led chapters two and four of this multi-provincial study. The project involved the completion of four sub-objectives:
- Development of a methodological approach for animal health or phytosanitary crisis management
- Development of a methodological approach for evaluating the economic losses incurred by agricultural businesses
- Identification and analysis of compensation measures
- Identification and analysis of key elements of a turnaround process
Results:
The study proposed strategies for reducing the economic impact of animal health crises (for instance, avian influenza, BSE, FMD) and phytosanitary crises (for instance potato cyst nematode, plum pox virus, potato wart) on agricultural businesses.
All four reports and a summary reports are publicly available at http://www.cdaq.qc.ca/ShowDoc.asp?IndLangue=1&Rubrique=240&Document=268 (in French only) or by contacting Agronovita for the summary report in English.
The Implications of Growing Short-Rotation Tree Species for Carbon Sequestration in Canada
Client(s):
Canadian National Climate Change Process (Ref.# 23103-8-0253)
Needs:
Assessment of the potential of planting fast-growing trees (willows and poplars) for carbon sequestration in Canada.
Services Provided:
Agronovita’s Patrick Girouard managed this national project aimed at estimating the carbon sequestration potential and cost associated with plantations of fast-growing tree species such as willows and poplars under Canadian conditions.
The report is publicly available and can be downloaded at http://www.reap-canada.com/online_library/ghg_offsets_policy/20%20The%20Implications.pdf