Backgrounder
October 16, 2009
Institute For Chemicals And Fuels From Alternative Resources
In 2008, Ontario invested $5 million to support the creation of a new 20,000-square-foot research centre, the Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources. The institute, a part of The University of Western Ontario, celebrated its grand opening on October 16, 2009.
Among other activities, the institute houses facilities to test next generation biofuel technologies being developed by Western researchers. The researchers are investigating a process called pyrolysis, which turns agricultural byproducts such as corn husks, into a solid called bio-char and bio-oil. These can be used to make eco-friendly fertilizers, fuels and chemicals, including environmentally friendly insecticides and pesticides. The institute is expected to house two new energy-related research chairs and provides workspace for visiting scientists and students from Canada and abroad.
The goal of the facility is to be a leader in the development of technologies and processes for the production of chemicals and fuels from alternative resources, with an emphasis on green engineering and environmental sustainability. The goal is to quickly move research from the lab benches to large demonstration projects, paving the way for Ontario biofuel and chemical innovations to get to the global marketplace – fast.
One project currently underway at ICFAR is on behalf of Agri-Therm Inc., a University of Western Ontario spin-off company that is in the early stages of bringing new biofuel technology to market. Agri-Therm makes a patented, mobile pyrolysis unit, and has begun to market its technology. Agri-Therm has just completed its first sale, to the University of Veracruz in Mexico.
Within Ontario, the institute has established ties with the Sarnia-Lambton Bioindustrial Innovation Centre to create additional business opportunities. Ontario committed $10 million to the creation of the Bioindustrial Innovation Centre in 2007, to develop environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuels. The Sarnia centre, acting in partnership with others in the community, is expected to attract over $1 billion in private sector investment, and support many new jobs in research and engineering.
See also:
- News Release: Investment In Biofuel Research Is Paying Off
