Canadian biofuel pioneers make straw-based cellulosic ethanol blend available to the public.(NEWS / NOUVELLES)

Royal Dutch Shell and Canada's Iogen Corporation have launched the world's first cellulose ethanol blend fuel at an Ottawa Shell service station.

Regular gasoline purchased at the Shell service station will contain 10 percent cellulosic ethanol produced at Iogen's demonstration plant. Iogen's cellulose ethanol process uses agricultural residues such as straw to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions up to 90 percent compared to gasoline.

"This is a milestone achievement for advance biofuels," said Gordon Quaiattini, president of the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association. "It is another example of Canada developing a vibrant and diverse advanced biofuels industry."

He added that biofuels create new markets for agriculture producers, revitalize rural communities, reduce harmful green house gases and offer consumers a new choice at the pump.

"Canada, and rural Canada in particular, is uniquely positioned to grow and prosper from the further development of these fuels," concluded Quaiattini.

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