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Recognized for his lasting impact, Stefan Michalski was named Biogas Champion 2025 at the Value of Biogas West Conference in Calgary on October 7, celebrating his enduring contributions to Canada’s renewable energy future. With over 25 years of international experience in renewable energy, Stefan has been instrumental in advancing Alberta’s biogas industry. As a consultant with ECB Enviro North America Inc., he led the development of Lethbridge Biogas—the province’s largest privately operated biogas and cogeneration facility—processing over 100,000 tonnes of organic waste annually since 2013. His leadership extended to shaping provincial policy and driving innovation as Director of Lethbridge Biogas, including Alberta’s first commercial RNG upgrading project.

The 2025 Value of Biogas West Conference united 350 delegates and 35 exhibitors in Calgary from October 6–8 for three days of collaboration, insight, and innovation. Highlights included site tours at GrowTEC and Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant, dynamic sessions on Alberta’s biogas potential and RNG growth, and a keynote from Minister RJ Sigurdson reaffirming support for renewable energy. Read the full conference recap here.

Ahead of the upcoming Budget announcement on November 4th, the CBA has been actively engaging with government departments to reinforce our key priorities outlined in the pre-budget submission. These include strengthening the CFR by raising the 10% gaseous credit limit and introducing a credit multiplier for Canadian-produced RNG, and implementing an ITC to support the biogas industry. Following the Budget announcement, the CBA will host a Director Fly-In in November to advance strategic discussions and government engagement. As part of the CBA’s ongoing advocacy efforts, we encourage members to continue connecting with us to share any concerns or challenges you are facing in project development.

The energy transition took center stage on the second and final day of the Pre-COP, held on Tuesday, October 14, in Brasilia. During the event, Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched the Belém Commitment for Sustainable Fuels—known as Belém 4x—an initiative aimed at building high-level political support for the global goal of quadrupling the production and use of sustainable fuels by 2035.
Belém 4x seeks to promote the worldwide adoption of clean energy sources—such as hydrogen and its derivatives, biogases, biofuels, and synthetic fuels—capable of replacing fossil fuels and contributing to the decarbonization of energy systems and the fight against climate change.

On September 17^th, the Minister of Finance and National Revenue, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, announced that he will table Budget 2025 on November 4^th. The CBA has been engaged with the federal government to reiterate the need for biogas & RNG to be recognized in the upcoming budget. Our August pre-budget submission emphasized the need for Investment Tax Credits to competitively attract investments, amendments to the Clean Fuel Regulations to support Canadian RNG, and funding programs for biogas & RNG.  The CBA continues to have meetings with multiple government departments to communicate the value of supporting the Canadian biogas industry.

The Prime Minister’s announcement on September 5^th introduced new measures to support strategic Canadian industries including a proposed $370 million biofuel production incentive and amendments to the Clean Fuel Regulations (CFR), aimed at supporting biomass-based diesel from canola. While this is a positive signal, it excludes key sectors like renewable natural gas (RNG), biogas, ethanol, and sustainable aviation fuel. In response, the CBA is in active communication with government to ensure RNG and biogas are included in the evolving policy framework. We are emphasizing the urgent need for timely CFR amendments, clear inclusion of RNG, and a dedicated investment tax credit to support sector growth and competitiveness. These steps are essential to ensure biogas and RNG are treated on par with other clean energy solutions. CBA will continue to provide updates as federal details emerge.