BLACK LOCUST POSSIBLE SOURCE OF BIOMASS Researchers are evaluating the biomass potential of woody crops and are taking a closer look at what black locust might have to offer the biomass industry. The team, from the Energy Biosciences Institute (EBI) at the University of Illinois, found that black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) showed a higher yield and a faster harvest time than other woody plant species that they evaluated. Currently the black locust can only be used for direct combustion but if it becomes a major crop, researchers say that work could begin on the process of how to break it down. The EBI is working on how to get the sugars out of plants and how to turn those to alcohols. The research team will present its findings at the EBI Feedstock Symposium program in August. PROTEIN FROM STREAMS OF FOREST INDUSTRY Researchers from Processum Biorefinery Initiative have tested a large-scale production trial of “single cell protein,” which can be used in fish feed, with Domsjo Mills and Sekab at the SP Biorefinery Demo Plant in Sweden. The test – part of a European research project – confirmed that the plant is suitable for developing different biorefinery products by converting single cell protein from residual streams found in the forest industry. It can be used instead of fishmeal in fish feed, which researchers say is beneficial to the environment because methods of producing fishmeal today are an environmental threat. During the trial, researchers looked closely at how well the plant was suited for aerobe fermentation processes using filamentous fungi, which grew on a stream from the Domsjo Mills. They harvested the fungi, dried them and ground them to a powder, making it possible to use as an ingredient in fish feed. A project partner in Iceland is currently completing a trial feeding Tilapia fish with feed containing the new protein. BIOTECANADA AND BIOTALENT CANADA PARTNERSHIP BIOTECanada and BioTalent Canada have signed an agreement so they can help Canada’s bioeconomy continue to grow and provide a solid foundation for the industry and the people who work within it. This new alliance gives all BIOTECanada’s member’s new services and access to BioTalent Canada’s human resource products, including the country’s only national, bilingual biotechnology job board, “The PetriDishtm”. The two companies hope to keep the Canadian biotech sector competitive in the industry. Canada’s long history of biotech research and innovation has positioned it as a leader,” said Andrew Casey, president and CEO BIOTECanada. “Yet, Canada and its biotech sector must continue to be as competitive as possible to successfully compete for this global opportunity. GREENHOUSE HEATED FROM LANDFILL GAS FUELLED CHP PLANT Demers Greenhouses, a tomato plant in Quebec, is being heated with heat produced by an eight-megawatt landfill gas fuelled CHP plant. European Power Systems (EPS) commissioned the heat recovery system being used after Demers Greenhouses owner Jacques Demers learned of the opportunity to take advantage of this unique heating method, which has already provided the greenhouse more than 10,000 megawatt-hours of energy. The contract to implement the cogeneration system was awarded to EPS in August of 2011 and came online in fall of 2012. CCEMC GIVES $900K IN NEW BIOLOGICAL PROJECTS The Climate Change and Emissions Corporation (CCEMC) is funding three new projects through its Biological Greenhouse Gas Management Program. The projects have a combined value of more than $1 million, and the CCEMC is committing more than $880,000 in support. The Biological Greenhouse Gas Management Program is managed by Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions and the projects include, optimizing small methane biofilters for controlling low volume point-source emissions, creating a new type of biochar to support water remediation in the oil sands and a program that will help Alberta farmers implement offset projects while improving sustainability practices. Each project supports Alberta’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions using biological approaches. BIOMASS TO HEAT 13 BUILDINGS IN P.E.I. Prince Edward Island has approved contracts to install biomass heating systems in 13 buildings across the province in an effort to reduce its reliance on expensive and environmentally harmful fossil fuels. The contracts are for 20-year terms. The contracted companies – Company 8230773 Ltd. And Wood4Heating Canada – are responsible for the design, construction and operation of the units and will be installing the systems in hospitals, schools, nursing facilities, and other public buildings over the next three years. Biomass heating will save P.E.I. roughly $120,000 in costs each year and the contracts will have a combined economic impact of more than $500,000 annually. For expanded industry news and daily updates, visit www.canadianbiomassmagazine.ca