October 10, 2013 – The production of energy from biomass is opening up new markets for the Canadian forestry, agricultural and municipal solid waste sectors, says NRC (National Research Council of Canada) and, to help industry capitalize on these market opportunities, it launched its Bioenergy Systems for Viable Stationary Applications research program.

“This will accelerate deployment in markets where bioenergy is cost-competitive, such as remote communities and industry reliant on expensive diesel fuel, and cities facing high municipal solid waste diversion costs,” said Andy Reynolds, general manager of the Energy, Mining and Environment portfolio at NRC.

The NRC bioenergy program will channel a “critical mass of expertise” into projects that aim to optimize biofuel production and upgrading, and resolve biofuel-power plant compatibility issues, thereby lowering the capital and operating costs for bioenergy systems and components.

Co-investment of industry and other stakeholders along the value chain, including utilities, will ensure the program delivers integrated solutions to end-users within relevant deployment timelines, insists NRC. This will bring estimated economic benefits of over $800 million in targeted stationary markets over the next decade, adds the council, expanding export opportunities for Canadian companies while keeping energy costs affordable for consumers.