Canadian Forest Industries Magazine

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From The Editor

Thursday, September 4th

Biomass Bulletin

You can't open a newspaper or your email these days without reading some news about forestry biomass. This week has been no exception, with the following just a sample of what's hit my desk or inbox so far.

The feds have $500 million they'd like to give away under the NextGen Biofuels Fund. Details are on line at the Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) site, but president and ceo Vicky Sharpe explains the financial program succinctly. "If you have developed and demonstrated new cellulosic ethanol or next generation biodiesel technology, we want to hear from you." The Nextgen fund supports making first-of-kind large demonstration scale facilities for the production of next generation renewable fuels. Basically these are fuels that do not take more energy to produce than they yield, and do not cost more to make than they can be sold for.
The all-new International Biomass Conference & Trade Show has been slated for late April in the beautiful Oregon Convention Centre in Portland, OR. It will cover a wide range of topics, including some on the wood side. While the organization behind it is very heavy to the agricultural side of the business, with over 175 booths planned, multi-day conference, and tour, it bears watching. Abstracts for presentations are due Oct 3. Stay tuned.
Manitoba Hydro is targeting 250 of its larger customers to encourage them to switch some demand to biomass-generated power, including wood. It has $1.25 million set aside to help these clients do feasibility studies. Selected clients have access to biomass and the ability to run a generation plant.

If you're looking for more biomass news, double-click the Canadian Biomass Magazine icon above and read our first issue.

Scott Jamieson, Editor

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