Researchers recently utilized the Canadian Light Source at the University of Saskatchewan, to improve a technique to potentially convert CO2 gas into ethanol.

The project, led by Professor Ted Sargent of the University of Toronto, focused on producing chemicals through CO2 conversion, with the hope of having high outputs and minimal energy inputs.

Ethanol was one of the focuses because it can be a valuable chemical for various industrial applications and even an alternative fuel. The use of ethanol is proven to reduce emissions in comparison to gasoline, but the renewable fuel ethanol can help to create, usually contains corn and wheat.  This project aims to eliminate food products from the production method, and by doing so multiplying the environmental benefits of the use of ethanol.

If the project is successful it is possible that more Canadian renewable fuel could be created from greenhouse gases with less farmed food used.