VANCOUVER, British Columbia – The Biomass and Bioenergy Research Group (BBRG) at the University of British Columbia, is in the early stages of a four-year research project aimed at advancing the production, logistics and commercialization of marketable pellets from underutilized low-quality biomass in Canada.

The research project is funded by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership with support of the Wood Pellet Association of Canada (WPCA) an BioFuelnet.

Scheduled for completion in 2023, the research project consists of our major tasks, including:

Preprocess and pelletize low-quality biomass and generate pellet production data using the newly purchased pilot-scale pellet machine, led by Dr. Hamid Rezaei.

Develop and compare supply chain scenarios and identify the most cost-efficient supply chain scenario considering the possibility of integration with existing grain and wood pellet supply chains, led by Dr. Mahmood Ebadian.

Develop best practices on safe handling and storage of pellets, led by Dr. Fahimeh Yazdan Panah.

Identify a clear commercial pathway to make marketable pellets from low-quality biomass resources a success, including developing quality certification, led by Dr. Shahab Sokhansanj (PI of the project) in collaboration with WPAC and BiofuelNet, an integrated community of academic researchers, industry partners and government representatives who engage in collaborative initiatives to accelerate the development of sustainable advanced biofuels.

The BBRG conducts advanced research in the area of biomass and bioenergy, as well as technology development, with the goal of developing a commercially, sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.

The Wood Pellet Association of Canada was established to help wood pellet producers members grow through promoting the role of wood pellets in the Canadian and global markets, supporting market and technical research, and encouraging fair and open energy trade. The association includes 16 producing members, plus suppliers and other interested organizations.