According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if world-wide production of seaweed increased 1,050%, that could be converted into enough gasoline to replace a whole 1% of U.S. domestic gasoline supply. Nevertheless, France and Canada will sign a joint declaration Thursday on a research co-operation initiative that will focus on creating biofuels from seaweed.
On Thursday morning, Stephen Harper and French PM Jean-Marc Ayrault will preside over the signing of an agreement between Canada’s National Research Council and France’s Commission on Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies on using seaweed as an alternative fuel source.
The memorandum will be an attempt to change the channel on the unfavourable narrative unfolding in Europe about Canada’s perceived environmental record and the perceived levels of greenhouse gases being produced in Alberta’s oilsands.
CORRECTION: The Canadian Press erroneously reported Wednesday that a joint declaration between France and Canada on a research co-operation initiative would focus on creating biofuels from seaweed.
In fact, the research will explore how cultivated microalgae, which includes seaweed, can help in the removal of certain greenhouse gases from industrial emissions.