OPG BioEnergy Learning & Research Centre

Transcription

1 OPG BioEnergy Learning & Research Centre Northern Ontario Bioenergy Tour November 8, 2014 Brian Kurikka, Manager, Applied Research

2 Outline Confederation College Overview OPG BioEnergy Learning & Research Centre Overview Why Biomass Heat? Biomass Heat as a Catalyst for Community Development in the Boreal Forest Description Dissemination of Results Partners Next Steps

3 About Confederation College 3,200 full time & 8,000-9,000 part-time learners 56% of Ontario s landmass 9 campuses (1,000 km east to west) Broad range of programming trades & technology business, hospitality, media health aviation natural resources

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5 BLRC - Key Features 150 kw Dedicated Research Boiler Access to the kw boilers Laboratory/Testing Space for proximate analysis On-Line Instrumentation including ports for specialized/temporary test instrumentation Comprehensive Air Emission Testing Capabilities Learning and Training Space

6 OPG BioEnergy Learning & Research Centre (BLRC) Vision and Overview Biomass champion (<3 mw) Market Development and Technology Transfer Curriculum Development and Training Applied Research (Stump to Stack) Regulation and Policy Development. Community Development Anchored by Biomass

7 BLRC Community Development, WHY? Many of our communities rely on oil, propane or electricity for heat Union Gas service area (only supplier in N. Ont.)

8 BLRC Community Development 29 northern communities on diesel generation 19 are served by Hydro One These 19 used 15.6 million litres of diesel 2011 *Hydro One Remote Communities Inc Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report and Action Plan

9 Community Heating with Biomass Greenhouse Gas Emissions Remote Communities Table 5.1: Emission Source Summary Source Emissions (t CO2e) % of Total DIRECT GHG EMISSIONS Diesel Combustion 43, % Bio-diesel Combustion % Natural Gas Consumption % ENERGY INDIRECT EMISSIONS Electricity % OTHER INDIRECT EMISSIONS Fuel Transport via ROAD % Fuel Transport via AIR 30, % TOTALS 73, % *Hydro One Remote Communities Inc Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report and Action Plan The need to reduce GHG emissions

10 Applied Research Thunder Bay is developing a unique BioEnergy cluster to advance research, technology transfer & market development 1. OPG BioEnergy Learning & Research Centre 2. Lakehead University FoReST Laboratory - Pellet and Biomass Analysis Wood Science Testing Facility Wood Property Testing (Physical, Mechanical, Thermal, Chemical) Biorefining Research Institute - biofuels, chemicals and bioenergy from forest biomass 3. FPInnovations/Resolute Forest Products Lignin Plant 4. Ontario Power Generation conversion to wood pellets (industrial and advanced pellets)

11 BLRC Current Applied Research Projects 1. Utilization and Enhancement of Urban Forest Biomass for Energy and Value Added Wood Products Partners: BLRC, Lakehead University, Rutter Urban Forestry 2. Wood Heating Systems <3MW ECA Interim Guidance Sub- Project Partners: BLRC, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, Natural Resources Canada

12 BLRC Current Applied Research Projects 3. Biomass Heat as a Catalyst for Community Development in the Boreal Forest Partners: BLRC, TD Bank Group, Lakehead University, Biomass Innovation Centre, First Nations Communities, Biothermic Renewable Energy Systems 4. Biomass Combustion Research Program (November 2014) Partners: BLRC, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, Natural Resources Canada, Rentech

13 OPG BioEnergy Learning & Research Centre Biomass Heat as a Catalyst for Community Development in the Boreal Forest Phase I: Pre-Feasibility Study Pikangikum Lake (B. Kurikka)

14 Why Biomass Heat? Opportunities for forest based communities whether they are off-grid, or connected Displace electric, propane and/or fuel oil heat with green biomass heat Create local employment opportunities

15 Project Overview- Phase I: Pre- Feasibility Study

16 Project Description Purpose The purpose of this project is to determine if two communities in Northwestern Ontario (one remote, one road accessible but not connected to the natural gas grid) are viable candidates for implementing biomass district heating in their communities

17 Project Description The following will be assessed: Volume and cost of fossil fuels and/or electricity consumed to produce heat on an annual basis Analysis of community infrastructure to determine best district heating option (single district heating plant/multiple plants/single use residential or a combination)

18 Project Description Analysis of savings ($ and environmental) by switching to biomass Wind/Solar potential Economic impact through job creation Permitting/approvals required Analysis of sustainable fuel supply Report presentation and next steps (Phase II)

19 Project Description Remote FN Community Undertake Forest Resource Inventory on lands surrounding the community to assess if a sustainable supply of fibre is available Will the fibre supply support a DHP and small sawmill? Will Provincial policy support and approve a cost effective Forest Management Plan for remote community development?

20 Project Description Drive to Community Is it within an existing Sustainable Forest License (or equivalent)? Would fibre be available on a sustainable basis to support a wood chip DHP? If not, an analysis on the use of wood pellets for heat will be required

21 Dissemination of Results Presentation of final report to communities and stakeholders Recommendations for next steps - Phase II Based on community location and requirements

22 Next Steps: Phase II

23 If the results from Phase I demonstrate viability for biomass heating for these communities, Phase II of the project will commence. Phase II includes: Detailed Business Plan Engineering Assessment Forest Management Plan Project Financing Construction Each Stage Dependent on Previous Outcome

24 Project Partners (to be confirmed) 1. Confederation College BioEnergy Learning & Research Centre (lead) 2. Communities: Sachigo Lake (confirmed), Lac Seul (confirmed) 3. TD Bank (confirmed) 4. Biomass Innovation Centre (confirmed) 5. Lakehead University (confirmed) 6. Biothermic Renewable Energy Solutions (confirmed) 7. Nishnawbe Aski Nation (letter of support) 8. Hydro One Remote Communities Inc. (advisory) 9. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry (policy) 10. University of Minnesota, Duluth Campus

25 Biomass Opportunities are Growing in Ontario! Thank you Brian Kurikka Manager, Applied Research Confederation College (807) Questions?