PyroGenesis Inc., a leader in ultra-high temperature processes and plasma-based technology, has announced a collaborative project to convert contaminated biomass into syngas with Innofibre, a college centre for the transfer of technologies at the Cégep de Trois-Rivières. The technology debuted at the launch of Innofibre's new $14 million pilot and pre-commercial facility, the only one of its kind in North America equipped to operate under conditions mimicking industrial production.
Official Opening of Innofibre's Cellulosic Products Innovation Centre
The official opening included speeches by Jean Boulet, Quebec’s Minister of Labour and MNA for Trois-Rivières, representatives from funding partners Canada Economic Development and the Fonds du Grand Mouvement Desjardins, and Jean-Philippe Jacques, General Manager of Innofibre. Attending for PyroGenesis were Jean-René Gagnon, Director of Engineering, Jenosan Annamalai, Process Engineer, and Yves Bilien, Project Manager for High-Temperature Processes and Thermal Plasma.
Technology Details
The system delivered by PyroGenesis converts contaminated biomass to synthesis gas (syngas). Biomass includes organic material from plants and animals, such as wood chips, pellets, firewood, and agricultural residues. Contaminated biomass can contain paint, solvents, and other chemicals like melamine that mix into biomass in landfills or are added during manufacturing. PyroGenesis' high-temperature waste-to-energy gasification technology treats contaminants in the produced syngas.
Benefits and Applications
Biomass-derived syngas reduces dependence on fossil fuels while supporting decarbonization efforts and global climate objectives. The inclusion of contaminated biomass increases the overall feedstock available for syngas production. The syngas can be used to generate electricity or produce chemicals, fertilizers, methanol, ammonia, and synthetic fuels such as renewable diesel and gasoline.
Facility Goals
Innofibre's facility aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative solutions related to the forest industry and agricultural biomass, including bio-based products, biomaterials, biochar, waste valorization, decarbonization, and tailings recovery.
