Biofuel research gets $19M funding

Quebec City, QC – A new network, called the Cellulosic Biofuels Network (CBN), hs been set up to provide expertise, new technologies and processes that increase the efficiency and reduce the economic costs associated with the production of cellulosic ethanol, especially from agricultural biomass.

The CBN will receive $19.9 million in funding from the federal Agricultural Bioproducts Innovation Program (ABIP).

The CBN will focus on the sustainable production of ethanol and associated bio-products from cellulosic material. The economics of crop production and the conversion of plants to ethanol will be assessed. Network researchers will also address larger issues such as the use of byproducts in cattle feedlots, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and optimal nutrient flow/balance.

The recipients of the funding include Concordia University, University of Ottawa, University of British Columbia, University of Saskatchewan, Université de Montréal, University of Alberta, University of Toronto, Ryerson University, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, FPInnovations as well as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and other government research centres supporting the network.