Confederation College Celebrates the Grand Opening of OPG BioEnergy Learning and Research Centre
Confederation College President Jim Madder and other dignitaries participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Grand Opening of the Ontario Power Generation BioEnergy Learning and Research Centre. Photo Confederation College
THUNDER BAY, ON – Confederation College officially opened the Ontario Power Generation BioEnergy Learning and Research Centre (OPG-BLRC) yesterday as part of BioEconomy Week. Partners, supporters and community members were on hand for the opening and had the opportunity to participate in a guided tour of the centre.
The OPG-BLRC offers opportunities for demonstration, training and applied research related to biomass energy, including fuel quality, emission and combustion efficiency. Biomass energy systems use clean forest and agricultural sources to produce heat and electricity with less impact on the environment than fossil fuels. Through the centre, Confederation College is committed to developing a market for biomass in northwestern Ontario and other farther reaching markets.
“With the launch of this centre, Thunder Bay is furthering its reputation as a destination for scientific research and technological innovation in Northwestern Ontario. This state-of-the-art centre will certainly be at the forefront of biomass research in our region and I’d like to congratulate Confederation College and all its partners for bringing it to life.” Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines, MPP Thunder Bay-Superior North
The new centre features state-of-the-art Fröling biomass boilers, fuel handling and heating systems. Photo Confederation College
Featuring state-of-the-art Fröling biomass boilers, fuel handling and heating systems, the OPG-BLRC is estimated to also provide 80 per cent of the total heat load for the Shuniah/REACH Building at Confederation College this fall/winter.
“Evergreen Bioheat Ltd. congratulates Confederation College in the successful completion of the Ontario Power Generation BioEnergy Learning and Research Centre. The College has demonstrated both leadership and innovation in advancing a sustainable alternative energy solution that will not only be a showcase for Ontario but also for the rest of Canada. Evergreen is very proud to be the exclusive supplier of the Fröling biomass hot water systems that are installed in the Research Centre which will provide long term, cost-effective heat to the College while substantially reducing the College’s greenhouse gas footprint.” Rick Connors, President, Evergreen BioHeat Ltd.
Adopted and adapted from existing European technology, the OPG-BLRC is the first facility of its kind in Ontario. The team supporting the facility is currently working with regulators in Ontario to modernise guidelines governing the use of biomass. In addition, research and testing will focus on streamlining biomass energy for community consumption, including those in remote areas. Communities that participate will also develop transferable skills that could initiate additional projects and local investment including employment.
“We are excited at the potential this facility offers. Through the Ontario Power Generation BioEnergy Learning and Research Centre, Confederation College is poised to become a leader in renewable biomass energy. The potential benefits seen by the communities of our region could be significant and the research and educational opportunities will further differentiate our College as a pioneer of innovative and sustainable learning experiences.” Jim Madder, President, Confederation College
The OPG-BLRC has been made possible through funding from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, Ontario Power Generation, CRIBE (Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy) and Evergreen BioHeat Ltd. Support was also received from Biothermic Renewable Energy Systems, CEM Specialities Inc. and WSP Canada Inc. Honeywell led the design and construction of the centre.
“The new Bio-Energy Learning and Research Centre will provide hands-on training for students in this emerging bio-energy field and will be integral to the success of many upcoming small to mid-size biomass projects here in Northern Ontario.” Lorne Morrow, C.E.O., CRIBE (Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy)
